The Guardians of the Galaxy are back, baby!
Most had assumed that James Gunn’s involvement with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 had come to an end after Disney fired him for some off-color tweets made over a decade ago. Then he accepted the director’s chair for rival studio Warner Bros.’ Suicide Squad 2, which for fans seemed like the final chapter to the story. After all, if Disney even ever was thinking of hiring him back, they probably wouldn’t if he was tied up with another movie, right?
But now in some very unexpected and happy news, Gunn’s back! The reversal was instantly followed by a very touching message from the director on Twitter, in which he said: ” I deeply appreciate Disney’s decision and I am excited to continue making films that investigate the ties of love that bind us all.” And how did fans react?
Well, there were the usual onslaught of gifs showing people dancing around in joy, spraying one another with champagne and a ton of the usual MCU reaction gifs. Other restated their commitment to the director though, claiming that they’d stuck to their Gunn(s). @Andysignore said: “You were patient, reserved, fair and most importantly took responsibility. It was an inspiration to myself and many.” @Grimno chipped in with: Someone should find the person who made that Rehire James Gunn Petition and give them a gift basket and a medal,” and @BrandonDavidBD summed it all up as so: “Some people would’ve given up. Not us.”
Below, you’ll find a few more of the reactions that’ve been flooding social media this afternoon:
— Fred Ramos (@Fr3derick82) March 15, 2019
The #GuardiansFamily is so happy for you. 😁 pic.twitter.com/hghcfghZfL
— 🌬Rbdius✨️ (@Rbdius) March 15, 2019
https://twitter.com/santarchy/status/1106635096772087808
https://twitter.com/SeanELee/status/1106634513466171392
Now that you’re back
What’s the hidden Easter egg in the first guardians lol— 2D (@therockartist) March 15, 2019
— ビジャン 🎑 (@SunFlowerMooon) March 15, 2019
Welcome back @JamesGunn ! The #GuardiansFamily never stopped fighting or gave up on saving you and the galaxy! We camn together from all over the world, connected together by you through the love in your stories. We found our family! Love to all! #RehiredJamesGunn #WeAreGroot pic.twitter.com/RUxRw93gpy
— Gio M.C. (@mustang_gio) March 15, 2019
— James Stevenson (@JamesStevenson) March 15, 2019
My theory is that Gunn’s firing was largely influenced by the Disney/Fox merger still being up in the air late last year. While the particulars of that were being finalized and billions of dollars were on the table, the very last thing they wanted was any kind of negative publicity that might give either regulators cold thoughts or their adversaries a boost in the negotiating process. But now that the deal’s signed, sealed and (practically) delivered, why not bring him back?
I’m just glad he’ll get to continue on with characters who’re clearly very close to his heart with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. It’s also nice to get a bit of good news to round out a day like today.