After his initial firing in 2018, James Gunn was reinstated as director for Guardians of the Galaxy 3 in March. One of the film's stars, Chris Pratt, announced his excitement for having Gunn back on board during the Avengers: Endgame premiere.
“I was so thrilled, so excited. I think it’s the right move, I really stand behind it,” Pratt told PEOPLE. “I’m really proud of Disney for hiring James back and ultimately thrilled for not only us, but also for the fans. I think it’s going to wrap up the trilogy in the best way.”
Pratt continued, “And Guardians of the Galaxy are really all about second chances and giving people an opportunity to be their best. We’re a ragtag squad of people coming together and having each other’s back. I think it really worked out the way it was supposed to, and I feel good about it.” Gunn was initially fired from the project after some tweets from years ago resurfaced that many deemed inappropriate. Disney received a large backlash from fans and cast members alike calling for Gunn to be rehired.
After his firing, Gunn signed on to write and direct the upcoming Suicide Squad sequel for Warner Bros. Pictures.
Written and directed by James Gunn, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 does not currently have a release date. The film is reportedly scheduled to begin production in February 2021. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, Avengers: Endgame stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Karen Gillan, Danai Gurira, Benedict Wong, Jon Favreau and Bradley Cooper, with Gwyneth Paltrow and Josh Brolin. The film arrives April 26.