James Gunn was removed as director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in July 2018 after offensive tweets he had posted years earlier resurfaced, igniting a major controversy. The tweets contained jokes referencing rape, pedophilia, and other sensitive subjects, prompting a swift reaction from Marvel and its parent company, Disney.
Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn released a statement condemning the remarks, saying,
“The offensive attitudes and statements discovered on James’ Twitter feed are indefensible and inconsistent with our studio’s values,”
marking a clear stance against such content.
The Offensive Tweets That Led to Fallout
The tweets in question included shockingly inappropriate jokes such as,
“I like when little boys touch me in my silly place,”
and
“The best thing about being raped is when you’re done being raped and it’s like ‘whew this feels great, not being raped!’”
In addition, there were postings referencing tragic events like 9/11, AIDS, and the Holocaust, which stirred greater public outrage.
Conservative media figures including Mike Cernovich and Jack Posobiec played a role in amplifying these tweets publicly after Gunn mocked political commentator Ben Shapiro, apparently defending creator Mark Duplass. Despite the tweets being from before Gunn’s tenure with Marvel, the backlash was intense.
James Gunn’s Response and the Industry Context
Gunn addressed the controversy openly on social media, apologizing sincerely:
“I used to make a lot of offensive jokes. I don’t anymore.”
He further reflected,
“I feel like a more full human being and creator today.”
His firing came amid a period of heightened scrutiny in Hollywood following the #MeToo movement, which increased calls for accountability regarding public behavior and attitudes.
Rehabilitation and Career Rebound
In March 2019, after growing public support, including from the Guardians cast, Disney reversed its decision and rehired Gunn for the third installment of the franchise. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. had already engaged him for The Suicide Squad, which premiered in 2021.
Gunn has since become a prominent leader at DC Studios, writing and directing the highly anticipated new Superman film, starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan. This movie premiered at the TCL Chinese Theater on July 7, 2025, ahead of its U.S. release on July 11.
The Ongoing Impact of the Controversy on Hollywood
The James Gunn Marvel firing controversy underscored the fragility of careers in today’s entertainment environment, where past online behavior can have lasting repercussions. Yet, Gunn’s return and rise within the industry also demonstrate the potential for redemption and growth. His latest projects signal both his personal and professional evolution, affecting how studios and audiences view accountability and forgiveness going forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. James Gunn, who is directing the new Superman movie, says that his belief in God helped him succeed. However, he also believes that God is not directly responsible for individual actions or accomplishments.
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. Once Gunn took on the role of co-CEO at DC Studios, he committed to working only with that company, leaving Marvel Studios behind. It’s well-known that the writer and director of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy developed strong connections with the movies’ stars.
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has talked about how prayer is still significant to him. He also stated that he is “in some ways, against religion.”
Q. Will James Gunn leave Marvel?
A. James Gunn recently shared that he had informed Marvel Studios before leaving that he preferred not to include Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, in his Guardians of the Galaxy movies. He communicated this decision before taking on his new position with the DC Universe.
