Avengers heartbreak: Will James Gunn return for Guardians 3? Disney makes FINAL decision

Fans had been desperately hoping there would be an eleventh hour reprieve for the popular director.

Gunn was immediately fired by Disney when “offensive” tweets surfaced made by the director backwhen he was an aspiring shock comedian.

After a huge social media surge of support from Marvel fans, as well as public declarations from the full Guardians cast, it seemed Disney might change its mind.

A meeting was held earlier this week with Walt Disney Chairman Alan Horn and James Gunn and his representatives.

Variety reported: “Gunn and his UTA reps pushed hard for him to be given a second chance, and Horn decided to take a courtesy meeting on Tuesday to clear the air and see if there was a possibility of Gunn returning to the franchise.

“Though the meeting was described as civil and professional, sources say that Horn stood by his decision to not reinstate Gunn as director.”

Marvel president Kevin Feige had also been said to be lobying for Gunns reinstatement. Variety also reported his response to the meeting.

GUARDIANS DIRECTOR JAMES GUNN: READ THE TWEETS THAT GOT HIM FIRED HERE

The industry bible said that Feige had been unable to attend the meeting in person because he was not in Los Angeles on that day.

“Sources added that while it was rumored that Feige was pushing to bring Gunn back, Feige stands by the studio’s decision to not bring back the Guardian director for the third installment.”

There is some good news, however.

GUARDIANS 3: THIS STAR SAYS HE WILL ‘QUIT’ IF JAMES GUNN IS NOT REHIRED

Original reports had claimed that Disney would drop Feige’s script for Guardians 3, which was believed to be complete. Since Feige has scripted and directed the entire Guardians saga so far, which was always envisioned as a three-movie arc, this was a huge concern for fans.

The new article said: “Sources have stressed that Gunn’s original script will be used for the next film.”

Fans can relax that Gunn’s original vision will remain intact, although it is likely that his replacement wiill also add their own touches.

FULL STORY IN VARIETY