Gunngate: Day 22. In a media narrative more unpredictable than any Avengers cliff-hanger, the controversy surrounding Disney’s firing of James Gunn has taken another unexpected turn.
Yesterday came word that Gunn’s exit from Disney isn’t finalised yet – along with rumours that the studio might still use his script for Guardians Of The Galaxy: Vol. 3 (or be forced to, by vocal stars like Dave Bautista). However, today brings word that the Mouse House might be about to face a challenge on their decision from Marvel itself.
Several anonymously sourced industry reports suggest Gunn is still being championed via “back channels” by senior figures at Marvel Studios. Indeed, Deadline reports that Marvel (and thus likely Kevin Feige) is attempting an “eleventh hour” charm offensive to persuade the larger corporate interests at the Walt Disney Company to rehire Gunn for Vol. 3.
Rather than stepping into the political minefield of why Gunn was fired in the first place, Marvel is apparently sticking to a savvier monetary argument. With Vol 3 still scheduled to begin production in either January or February of next year, and the Gunn screenplay relatively locked in place, the options for a new director to make the film their own are narrowing by the day, especially after the entire cast signed an open letter of support for Gunn. Add in Bautista’s bid to leave the film altogether and Disney are looking at a very tough film to make – and an even tougher one to sell.
For these reasons, the article infers Feige is making overtures toward a “rapprochement” between the studio and Gunn, suggesting the director’s eventual long term distancing from the Mouse House (Gunn was supposed to have a major role in producing Phase 4), but arguing that rehiring him for Vol 3. is just good for business.
Nevertheless, Disney is in a tough position. They have a global brand to protect that’s built around family friendly entertainment, and Gunn’s old tweets will be almost impossible to PR. However, given Disney has since begun work on a sixth Pirates Of The Caribbean film with an even more controversial celebrity (probably) still in the lead, the studio might have to start making a few concessions if it wants to carry on making money.
Where this ends? Who knows. But the conversations now being had behind closed doors at Disney are likely to shape the whole future of the MCU – and the entertainment business as a whole.