James Gunn fired from next Guardians Of The Galaxy over tweets on rape
Written by News on 22/07/2018
James Gunn has been sacked as director of Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3 after old tweets emerged where he joked about paedophilia and rape.
Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn said in a statement that the tweets are indefensible and the studio has severed ties with Gunn.
Gunn has been writer and director of the Guardians Of The Galaxy franchise from the start.
He took an obscure Marvel Comics title about a group of misfits and turned it into two huge hits that together banked more than $1.5bn at the box office globally.
Gunn sent several tweets on Thursday saying he was sorry for trying in the past to get laughs through shock value.
In one, he said: “I used to make offensive jokes. I don’t anymore.
“I don’t blame my past for this, but I like myself more and feel like a more full human being and creator today.”
In another, he said: “In the past I have apologised for humour of mine that hurt people. I truly felt sorry and meant every word of my apologies.”
Actor and former WWE wrestler Dave Bautista, who plays Drax the Destroyer in the Guardians franchise, has defended Gunn on social media.
Bautista tweeted: “@JamesGunn is one of the most loving, caring, good natured people I have ever met. He’s gentle and kind and cares deeply for people and animals. He’s made mistakes. We all have. Im NOT ok with what’s happening to him.”
Gunn has been writing the script for Guardians 3 and the movie was expected to begin shooting in Atlanta soon with an expected 2020 release date.
His publicist did not immediately respond to an email requesting a comment.
(c) Sky News 2018: James Gunn fired from next Guardians Of The Galaxy over tweets on rape
