Disney rehires director James Gunn for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’

James Gunn, fired last summer by Disney has been re-hired to direct the third movie in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, numerous entertainment news sites are reporting

Gunn was fired after a number of offensive tweets made more than a half-dozen years ago were unearthed. The tweets made light of rape and pedophilia. The director apologized for the sentiments.

The tweets were unearthed by conservative critics who oppose his political beliefs. Gunn often criticizes President Trump, according to FOX News.

Disney severed ties with the director after the large conservative backlash stating at the time, “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,”  Disney studio chairman Alan Horn said in a statement.

So, what’s changed? Reportedly, there was a series of meeting between Disney and Marvel Studios leaders. “Persuaded by Gunn’s public apology and his handling of the situation after, Horn decided to reverse course and reinstate Gunn,” Deadline reported.

Gunn immediately fell on his sword about the comments once they came out. He took ownership of his words and apologized. He never lashed out against Disney for the firing.

The director since has since taken on the job of helming another comic universe set of characters and is directing DC’s “Suicide Squad 2.” He will continue to direct that.

Marvel Studios never spoke with or considered another person to direct the third Guardians of the Galaxy film, even though many names were thrown out by the fans and media as possibilities.

No official word from Disney or Marvel yet. The companies are in the middle of promoting the upcoming “Avengers: Endgame,” which will close out a decade-long arc of movies.