Director James Gunn fired from Guardians of the Galaxy 3 over old tweets

James Gunn has been fired as director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 because of old tweets that recently emerged where he joked about subjects like pedophilia and rape.

Remarks about pedophilia, rape are indefensible, studio says

The Associated Press Posted: Jul 20, 2018 5:44 PM EDT | Last Updated: July 20, 2018

James Gunn was fired Friday as director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 because of old tweets where he joked about subjects like pedophilia and rape. (Christopher Polk/Getty Images)

James Gunn was fired Friday as director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3because of old tweets that recently emerged where he joked about subjects like pedophilia and rape.

Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn said in a statement that the tweets are indefensible, and the studio has severed ties with Gunn.

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Gunn has been writer and director of the Guardiansfranchise from the start, taking an obscure Marvel Comics title about a group of misfits and turning it into two huge hits that together totalled more than $1.5 billion in global box office.

Gunn on Thursday sent several tweets saying he was sorry for trying in the past to get laughs through shock value.

1. Many people who have followed my career know when I started, I viewed myself as a provocateur, making movies and telling jokes that were outrageous and taboo. As I have discussed publicly many times, as Ive developed as a person, so has my work and my humor.
—@JamesGunn

2. Its not to say Im better, but I am very, very different than I was a few years ago; today I try to root my work in love and connection and less in anger. My days saying something just because its shocking and trying to get a reaction are over.
—@JamesGunn

3. In the past, I have apologized for humor of mine that hurt people. I truly felt sorry and meant every word of my apologies.
—@JamesGunn

4. For the record, when I made these shocking jokes, I wasnt living them out. I know this is a weird statement to make, and seems obvious, but, still, here I am, saying it.
—@JamesGunn

5. Anyway, thats the completely honest truth: I used to make a lot of offensive jokes. I dont anymore. I dont blame my past self for this, but I like myself more and feel like a more full human being and creator today. Love you to you all.
—@JamesGunn

His publicists did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

The Guardiansfranchise stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista and features the voices of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel.

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Director James Gunn fired from Guardians of the Galaxy 3 over old tweets

Remarks about pedophilia, rape are indefensible, studio says

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