Variety is certainly singing a different tune from just three days ago, when their sources said there was a “growing feeling” that James Gunn could be reinstated as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 director and writer, especially because they believed Disney would need to move quickly to replace him. However, this recent report from Variety is now saying almost the opposite – that it’s unlikely that Disney will rehire James Gunn and that they feel no pressure in finding a replacement. Additionally, they’ve clarified that while James Gunn’s firing was done by Disney Studios chief Alan Horn and CEO Bob Iger did weigh in on the decision.
A source they quote however doesn’t seem to be speaking for Disney, but themselves, as they express their personal thoughts on the situation.
“I don’t see Disney re-hiring him,” says one person close to the matter. “Those tweets were so horrible and Disney has a different standard than other studios.”
Which is probably why Variety changed the title of their article from “James Gunn Won’t Be Rehired for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’” to “Disney Unlikely to Rehire ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Director James Gunn,” especially since spokespeople for Disney declined to comment on their article. However, Variety isn’t a tabloid magazine and new information can come to light at any time, but I wouldn’t take this as the final nail in the coffin.
Source: Variety
