Credit: Instagram @jamesgunn

James Gunn has long been the subject of ongoing controversy over the past nine months. Following his dismissal from Disney last July after the resurfacing of decade-old crude and offensive tweets by conservative critics, his abrupt leaving from the film network came under fire. Ever since, there has been an outcry, particularly by cast members of Guardians of the Galaxy for his return and while Disney were adamant he would not return, a new report suggests otherwise. According to a report published by Deadline, redemption is near for the celebrated director.

Reportedly confirmed by Marvel and Gunn’s close camp, Gunn is set to return to Guardians of the Galaxy 3 this year. The announcement comes as somewhat out-of-the-blue but according to sources, it is one that has been mulled over for the past few months. The decision to reinstate the writer and director comes after Gunn’s public apology and the handling of the situation following his dismissal, with Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn meeting Gunn on several occasions to discuss the issue.

“The social media messages were indefensible, but the filmmaker never did anything but blame himself for poor judgment displayed at a time when he was emerging from the Troma film factory and attempting to be a provocateur. There were no reports that Gunn ever engaged in the behaviour he lampooned,” wrote Deadline. 

While the likes of Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi and Vice helmer Adam McKay were speculated to take over the Guardians franchise, it seems that there is no other perfect choice than Gunn himself. In October, it was announced that Gunn would move to competitor DC Universe to write the next ‘Suicide Squad’ film. While this is still set to occur, he will return to Marvel after its completion for the third instalment of Guardians of the Galaxy. 

Stay tuned.