Disney reportedly stands by its decision to fire James Gunn

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for
Disney

• According to Variety, Disney stands by its decision to
  fire “Guardians of the Galaxy” director James Gunn and does not
  plan to reinstate him.
• Gunn reportedly had a “courtesy” meeting with Disney
  Studios chairman Alan Horn, but only to clear the air.
• Variety said that Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige
  was not present at the meeting, but stands with Disney and its
  decision.

Despite vocal displeasure from fans and celebrities, and the
entire “Guardians of the Galaxy” cast releasing an open letter in support of him,
Disney reportedly stands by its decision to fire director James
Gunn from the third “Guardians” movie.

Variety reported, citing
anonymous sources, that Disney will not reinstate Gunn even after
a recent “courtesy” meeting between Gunn and Disney Studios
chairman Alan Horn, which sources told Variety that Horn took
only to clear the air.

According to Variety, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige was
not able to attend the meeting because he was out of town, but he
stands with Disney and its decision, despite reports that Marvel
was having backchannel conversations with
Disney in an effort to reach a compromise regarding Gunn.

Gunn was fired last month from the third “Guardians” movie,
slated to hit theaters in 2020, after conservative personalities
resurfaced offensive tweets of Gunn’s from years ago. Support for
Gunn was been loud since — this week, “Guardians” actor Chris Pratt opened up about
Gunn’s firing in an interview with The Associated Press. He said
it’s a “troubling time” but implied that he would like to see
Gunn rehired.

But this is just the most recent indication that Disney has no
plans to reinstate Gunn. If that’s the case, it’s unclear when a
new director will be announced or if production on “Guardians 3”
will stay on track for its 2020 release.

The last “Guardians” movie made $863 million worldwide.