Production on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which was set to begin early next year, has reportedly been put on hold by Disney following James Gunn’s dismissal as director after offensive, years-old comments he made about pedophilia and rape were unearthed by right-wing detractors.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney has placed Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 on an indefinite hiatus as the company regroups after firing James Gunn as director. Principal photography on the third Guardians of the Galaxy film was slated to begin in January or February of next year, however the timeline has now been pushed out according to sources. Disney had not previously announced a release date for the film.
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The production hold was described as temporary and a regrouping for Marvel and Disney. Crew members who were prepping the film for pre-production in the fall have reportedly been let go with the freedom to find other work.
Gunn received an outpouring of support from peers and audiences alike following his dismissal, with the main cast of the films penning an open letter calling for his reinstatement as writer/director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. That being said, Disney has held firm on their decision to fire Gunn following a “courtesy” meeting between studio chairman Alan Horn and Gunn that took place last week.
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