James Gunn was dismissed from Disney in 2018 following backlash over sensitive tweets he posted between 2008 and 2012. These tweets, which contained dark jokes about topics such as pedophilia, 9/11, AIDS, and the Holocaust, resurfaced after the release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in 2017, prompting Disney to sever ties with the director. Despite his firing, Gunn was reinstated in 2019 after widespread support from fans and cast members, allowing him to complete Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Following its conclusion, Gunn voluntarily departed from Disney and later became a key figure at DC Studios, directing the recent Superman film starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan.
Insights on Disney’s Perspective Regarding Gunn’s Termination
An insider, speaking to The DisInsider Mailbag, shed light on whether Disney regrets firing James Gunn, especially considering his growing success at DC Studios. According to the source, Disney Studios executive Alan Horn admired Gunn’s professionalism and welcomed him back to direct the third Guardians film. Gunn’s exit was on his own terms, as he chose to lead creative efforts within the DCU.
Disney Studios exec Alan Horn liked how Gunn handled himself and brought him back to direct Guardians Vol. 3. He then left on his own terms to go run DC Studios.
—Insider
The insider also drew comparisons to the case of John Lasseter, explaining that while some Pixar employees opposed Lasseter’s departure, the studio did not regret letting him go due to the circumstances involved.
As for Lasseter, we know what happened there and while I believe there are some folks at Pixar that didn’t want to see him gone, he needed to go and I don’t think the studio regrets that.
—Insider
While Disney may feel some regret about losing Gunn, the insider implies this sentiment is limited. Gunn’s expertise in guiding the DC Universe is widely recognized, and Disney could have benefited from his creative influence. His absence may have affected the direction of Disney’s projects, such as the recent Snow White live-action remake, which some critics viewed less favorably.
Evaluating the Justification for Gunn’s Firing Over Old Tweets
The controversy surrounding James Gunn’s tweets also raises questions about the fairness of Disney’s decision to fire him based on comments made up to five years prior. Comedy often involves subjective interpretations, and dark humor especially may not be suitable for every audience. Though Gunn’s tweets tackled highly sensitive subjects, he had apologized publicly, clarifying that the jokes did not reflect his current values or intentions.
Given Disney’s family-oriented brand, their decision to terminate Gunn can be seen as an effort to maintain company values and public trust. However, the timing and manner of his removal were debated. Critics suggest that while Gunn had the right to free speech, addressing the issue through dialogue rather than immediate dismissal might have yielded a more amicable resolution.
Gunn’s departure from Marvel arguably catalyzed the formation of the DC Universe’s new creative landscape, of which he is now a driving force. His success with Superman indicates a resurgence in his directorial career, even as questions linger about whether Disney could have retained a talented filmmaker despite past mistakes.
The Impact of James Gunn’s Move to DC on His Career and the Industry
James Gunn’s transition to DC Studios marks a significant chapter, demonstrating both his resilience and adaptability. His leadership in shaping the DCU, alongside notable actors like David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, has garnered considerable attention and box office success. The release of Superman adds momentum to the DC Universe’s evolving narrative under his direction.
For Disney, the episode underscores the complex balance between corporate image management and creative talent retention. The insider’s comments suggest the company recognizes Gunn’s abilities but must weigh broader reputational risks in future decisions. As Gunn continues to rise within DC, the industry watches closely to see how his vision influences superhero cinema moving forward.
Superman is currently showing in theaters worldwide.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. In 2018, James Gunn lost his job with Marvel after old, offensive tweets about sensitive topics were uncovered, leading to public anger. The director’s situation shifted significantly that July.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. The new CGI-animated Krypto the Superdog in the 2025 Superman adaptation by Gunn was inspired by Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and still values prayer. However, he has also expressed being somewhat against organized religion.
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. He grew up as a Catholic in Manchester, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. He has five siblings: actor Sean, actor and political writer Matt, screenwriter Brian, as well as Patrick and Beth. His father’s family were Irish immigrants, giving him Irish heritage.
