James Gunn has spoken candidly about his experience following his firing from Disney, revealing that some individuals within the company still leave him dissatisfied. The director, known for his work on the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series, was dismissed in 2018 before eventually being rehired by Marvel and later thriving in a leadership role at DC Studios. This reflection sheds light on the complicated professional relationships that linger years after the incident.
James Gunn Reflects on Tensions With Disney Staff After His Firing
Years after his controversial departure and subsequent return to Marvel, James Gunn acknowledges lingering frustrations with certain people at Disney. His firing in 2018 followed the resurfacing of old tweets that Disney found inappropriate, which forced him to step away from directing
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”
During this period, the director shifted to DC, taking on “The Suicide Squad” and eventually assuming a co-head role of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran.
Although Gunn maintains that Marvel’s executives were supportive throughout, his stance towards some Disney employees remains unresolved. On the Armchair Expert podcast, he stated,
“Listen, there are people that I’m not that happy with over there [at Disney], but that certainly wasn’t the Marvel guys, you know? They were completely supportive. [Marvel Studios Co-President] Louis D’Esposito called me all the time. Lou and Kevin were great. So it certainly wasn’t them. But I didn’t feel guilt at all. I mean, I had to take a job! I took a job [with] people that I also really liked, and that was it.”
—James Gunn, Director
James Gunn’s Transition from Marvel to a Leadership Role at DC
Before his firing, James Gunn was positioned to continue his influential role at Marvel, directing the popular Guardians trilogy and acting as executive producer on blockbuster films like “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.” However, his dismissal disrupted that trajectory, prompting DC to offer him greater creative control and leadership opportunities. Now co-heading DC Studios, Gunn not only directs but also influences the studio’s broader creative direction.
Gunn’s inaugural DCU project is his reboot of “Superman,” a film he both wrote and directed, aiming to establish a fresh, interconnected universe. Under his guidance, DC is producing content that blends familiar heroes with new and original stories. For instance, the second season of “Peacemaker” is underway, a “Supergirl” movie is in post-production, and unique projects such as the “Clayface” film highlight the studio’s willingness to explore diverse characters and narratives.
There remains anticipation around other forthcoming DCU projects, including the “Lanterns” series and a series centered on the character Amanda Waller. With a slate of varied and innovative content, the DC Universe is positioned to grow significantly, much of which can be attributed to Gunn’s dual role as director and executive leader, alongside co-head Peter Safran.
The Lasting Impact of Gunn’s Disney Experience and Future Prospects
James Gunn’s experience with the Disney firing aftermath underscores the challenges creative professionals may face within major studios. Despite his successful rehiring at Marvel and flourishing role at DC, Gunn’s comments reveal that professional disagreements and personal grievances can persist long after an incident. This candid admission reflects the complex dynamics behind the scenes in the entertainment industry.
Looking ahead, Gunn’s leadership at DC Studios suggests a promising future for the DCU as it seeks to expand its influence in the superhero genre and competing against Marvel’s dominance. His ability to blend humor, action, and original storytelling remains a key asset as he shapes the direction of some of the most iconic comic book characters on screen.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer still has a significant impact on his life. However, he also described himself as being “in some ways, against organized religion.”
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. When Gunn took the role of co-CEO at DC Studios, he committed only to that brand. This change meant he stopped working on Marvel Studios projects. Gunn had developed strong relationships with the cast of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy during his time as the writer and director.
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. He grew up Catholic in Manchester, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. He has five siblings: actor Sean, actor and writer Matt, screenwriter Brian, Patrick, and Beth. Gunn’s family background is Irish, with his father coming from an Irish immigrant family.
