Although toward the end of July it did seem like James Gunn would be able to restore his working relationship with The Walt Disney Company, unfortunately, the House of Mouse has put their foot down and decided not to bring the St. Louis, Missouri native back for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
That’s right, and while I hate to be the bearer of bad decision-making, I’m afraid this time the decision’s final. Regrettably, despite an outcry of support from Dave Bautista and the rest of his lovable ragtag crew, whether or not the shepherd of the irreverent supergroup franchise will return for a third term is now an open and shut case. And to add insult to injury, the man who was supposedly “fighting on the inside” for “Gunn’s vision” to remain a part of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – Kevin Feige – is allegedly supportive of the ruling.
According to Variety, Feige was reportedly out of town when the chairman of Walt Disney Studios, Alan Horn, held a “courtesy” meeting with James Gunn, but nonetheless, the president of Marvel Studios “stands by” Disney’s decision. Not to mention that once back in Los Angeles, Feige will spearhead the search for a new director.
Slated to begin principal photography early next year – assuming it can stay on schedule, of course – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will supposedly be working from the script Gunn’s believed to have completed before he was let go. After all, it’s highly unlikely that Disney and Marvel will merely toss away the treatment altogether and risk losing Dave Bautista, aka Drax the Destroyer, who’s been incredibly vocal in his support of the director from the get-go.
Beyond that, we’re not exactly sure how the studio plans to proceed from here now that Gunn’s gone, but as soon as we’ve got some further updates, we’ll be sure to let you know.
