The Marvel Cinematic Universe is getting close rand closer to the end of Phase Three, as Avengers: Endgame will arrive in April to complete the massive ten year narrative. The future of the MCU is a mystery, as the studio hasn't revealed the plans for Phase Three. One of the biggest questions about Marvel's future is regarding the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, especially in the wake of director/writer James Gunn's departure.
Prior to his firing, James Gunn had completed a draft of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3's script. That draft is reportedly making the rounds, and Slashfilm's Peter Sciretta has spoken to a few folks who have read it. He tweeted out:
Well, this is intriguing. James Gunn's voice is very much apart of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, so his departure seemingly put the property in jeopardy. But if folks are reading Gunn's draft of Vol. 3, then perhaps the threequel will move forward using his script. Fingers crossed.
Peter Sciretta's tweet will no doubt excite the many Guardians fans out there, who were saddened to hear that its visionary director was fired ahead of Vol. 3's release. This past July, James Gunn's offensive tweets from a decade ago resurfaced, and he was immediately fired by the House of Mouse. But the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise without Gunn seems almost impossible, and the project was put on indefinite hold.
Jame Gunn's draft for Guardians 3 has been a big part of the conversation surrounding the project. Utilizing his script seems like the only way the movie could be produced without him behind the camera, but its a complicated issue. Some might find this move to be Disney backpedalling on its firing of Gunn. But the fandom is practically begging for the draft to be used, in order to complete the Guardians' story in a proper way.
Drax actor Dave Bautista has been one of the most vocal supporters of James Gunn since his firing, although the full Guardians of the Galaxy cast penned a letter in support of their leader. But Bautista took it a step further, maintaining he wouldn't return to his role if Gunn's draft wasn't used. So there's a ton of issues to consider regarding the script.
Before James Gunn's firing, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was one of the only projects announced for Phase Four, and was set follow Spider-Man: Far From Home in the new MCU. But his departure put the franchise in question, as its unclear if/how the upcoming threequel could function without his vision, dance moves, and taste in music.
The Guardians of the Galaxy will return to the MCU when Avengers: Endgame arrives in theaters on April 26th, 2019. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your trips to the movies in the New Year.
