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UPDATE

The Hollywood Reporter just published a report about James Gunn that includes some details that directly refute this rumor. Here are a couple of choice quotes from their report, which address the issue of Gunn, his script, and even the potential for him to return:

“Some experienced talent reps estimate that due to the unique situation, Gunn could receive a payout of $7 million to $10 million, if not potentially higher. And, more importantly, he would be free to take on another project immediately. Also affecting the negotiations is that sources say Disney plans on using Gunn’s script for the third movie.”

“And there may be an unexpected twist to the story. Two sources say there is a hope through the talks that Gunn could return in some fashion, even if it’s to develop and direct another Marvel movie. “An end-all verdict hasn’t been issued and conversations with Marvel are still ongoing,” says one source familiar with the proceedings.

That leaves Gunn and his potential suitors waiting to see the outcome of the talks. “Most people feel his comments were coming out of his brand of comedy [at the time he made them],” says another studio exec. “Having an inappropriate sense of humor shouldn’t be a crime.”

This is all based on sources, though, so it’s not official. Therefore the situation can best be characterized as fluid.

We’ll keep you posted as things progress.

ORIGINAL STORY

When James Gunn was abruptly fired from Marvel’s Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3 a few weeks ago over some old, very inappropriate jokes he made on his personal twitter account, it sent shockwaves through the production. The film had been scheduled to start filming mere months from now, in January, and the ship suddenly had lost its captain. The cast came together with a joint statement, asking for his reinstatement, to no avail. And star Dave Bautista has recently let it be known that he’d be asking for his release if they tossed Gunn’s script.

Well, the former WWE Superstar may have to put up or shut up now because the word on the street is that Disney and Marvel Studios have, indeed, thrown out Gunn’s script for Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3.

“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,” Bautista told Shortlist a few days ago. “I’d be doing James a disservice if I didn’t.”

According to Christopher Marc, of Omega Underground, he’s heard that Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3 is essentially starting from scratch.

“Looks like Marvel Studios may have indeed tossed out James Gunn’s script for Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3,” the oft-reliable scooper tweeted out last night. “Something I expected was the next step, if this is confirmed there will be a massive production delay ahead for the sequel.”

This could be happening for any number of reasons. First and foremost, Disney/Marvel wants to separate itself from Gunn’s currently toxic brand, so not having his name attached to the film in any way will help that. Secondly, it’ll probably make it easier for them to nab a high quality director if the new filmmaker is able to build the movie from the ground up and not simply pinch hit for Gunn.

On this week’s episode of The Revengers Podcast, Mario-Francisco Robles asked listeners upset about Gunn’s firing if it would make things easier for them if they at least kept his script. Now that it looks like that won’t be the case, we’ve got to ask: Is this a deal-breaker for you? Or are you happy to know that the new director will be able to put their own stamp on the franchise instead of trying to channel Gunn’s unique vision?

SOURCE: Twitter