Another day, another load of fallout from the James Gunn firing.
Disney’s controversial decision to fire the director from Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 has already seen the film’s stars sign an open letter of support, and caused several to individually vent their feelings on Twitter.
Today sees Kurt Russell take his own stand – coming at the problem with exactly the kind of level-headed cool that you’d expect.
“It’s sad. But it’s a part of our fabric now, and I get it,” Russell told Variety. “But I do think we’re getting a little too sensitive on maybe some of the wrong people. You have to realise that when you are in that world as a comedian, a writer, whatever, you’re always stretching the boundaries and trying to find something which led him to something that the world loves, which is Guardians Of The Galaxy. He has a wonderful heart and a wonderful mind. I hope he is forgiven.”
Russell’s defence comes on the heels of fellow Guardians actors, including the most fiercely and outspokenly, Dave Bautista, in support of James Gunn as a filmmaker and person – stating that he’s now only involved in Vol 3 because he’s contractually obliged.
Today, however, Bautista has clarified his own comments by saying that he’s going to try and break that contract if Disney try and use a different script for the sequel.
Speaking to Shortlist, he confirmed that it would be “a disservice” to Gunn if he acted in someone else’s film:
“Where I’m at right now is that if [Marvel] don’t use that script, then I’m going to ask them to release me from my contract, cut me out or recast me”.
The news raises several questions. If Bautista were able to get out his contract (unlikely), would the rest of the cast follow? If Disney cave in and use Gunn’s script, would they also be able to rehire him as director? More importantly, if everyone on set is clearly just there because they have to be – who wants to watch Vol 3 anyway?
Reddit users think they have a solution. Posting a fake news story about “first time filmmaker Jimmy Gunnbergo”, the name and picture have been going viral over the last few hours as fans petition to get Disney to give him a try…
Still, Disney has no plans to rehire Gunn (or Jimmy Gunnbergo), and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is theoretically scheduled to begin production in February 2019. More as we get it.