Here's the TIME article:
'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' Director James Gunn Fired Over 10-Year-Old Tweets
(LOS ANGELES) — James Gunn was fired Friday as director of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” because of old tweets that recently emerged where he joked about subjects like pedophilia and rape.
Entertainment Weekly:
James Gunn Fired as Director of 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3'
- Gunn cut loose. Disney fired director James Gunn from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 after conservative personalities resurfaced old tweets Thursday in which the filmmaker joked about controversial topics such as pedophilia and rape, Aaron Couch and Borys Kit report.
- Disney chairman Alan Horn: "The offensive attitudes and statements discovered on James’ Twitter feed are indefensible and inconsistent with our studio’s values, and we have severed our business relationship with him."
- Gunn's apology: "My words of nearly a decade ago were, at the time, totally failed and unfortunate efforts to be provocative. I have regretted them for many years since — not just because they were stupid, not at all funny, wildly insensitive, and certainly not provocative like I had hoped, but also because they don't reflect the person I am today or have been for some time."
- More from Gunn: "Regardless of how much time has passed, I understand and accept the business decisions taken today."
- James Gunn’s surprise firing from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 came as the film was gearing up to shoot in Atlanta this fall for an expected 2020 release date. The Guardians films have earned $1.6 billion worldwide and were successful in large part to Gunn’s unique voice and filmic sensibilities. He was one of the few Marvel directors who also earned screenwriting credits on his films, and had been working on the script for Guardians 3.
- Despite the abrupt shift, don’t expect the studio to sit on the franchise. One source believes Disney will quickly move to find a replacement in hopes of shooting later this year. Despite the abrupt shift, don’t expect the studio to sit on the franchise. One source believes Disney will quickly move to find a replacement in hopes of shooting later this year.
- Guardians star on Gunn: Dave Bautista does not believe the director should have been fired. “He’s gentle and kind and cares deeply for people and animals. He’s made mistakes," Bautista tweeted. "We all have. I’m NOT ok with what’s happening to him.”
- Franchise firings: The dismissal of Gunn, who directed two successful Guardians installments, stands out compared to past tentpole-director drama. Josh Trank was difficult to work with on the set of Fantastic Four. Colin Trevorrow parted from Star Wars after The Book of Henry was panned. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller had creative differences with Solo; likewise with Edgar Wright and Ant-Man in 2014.
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