In an interview with Shortlist, Guardians of the Galaxy star Dave Bautista voiced his displeasure regarding Disneyโs firing of James Gunn. Bautista, who plays Drax the Destroyer, even went as far as to say that he would leave the movie if Gunnโs original Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 script isnโt used:
โWhere Iโm at right now is that if [Marvel] donโt use that script, then Iโm going to ask them to release me from my contract, cut me out or recast me.โ
โIโd be doing James a disservice if I didnโt.โ
It isnโt surprising to hear Bautista say something like this. Over the past few weeks since Gunnโs firing, the Marvel actor has been firmly in his former directorโs corner:
I will have more to say but for right now all I will say is this..@JamesGunn is one of the most loving,caring,good natured people I have ever met. Heโs gentle and kind and cares deeply for people and animals. Heโs made mistakes. We all have. Im NOT ok with whatโs happening to him
— Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) July 21, 2018
I will do what Im legally obligated to do but @Guardians without @JamesGunn is not what I signed up for. GOTG w/o @JamesGunn just isnโt GOTG. Its also pretty nauseating to work for someone whoโd empower a smear campaign by fascists #cybernazis . Thatโs just how I feel https://t.co/Ym4FwruVDu
— Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) August 5, 2018
Unfortunately, it is beginning to look like the status of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is in serious jeopardy. The studio has yet to hire a director and has no plans to rehire Gunn to direct the upcoming sequel.
Just last week, the stars of the Guardians franchise issued a statement supporting their director and calling for people โto stop weaponizing mob mentalityโ.ย Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 co-star Kurt Russell (who played Ego the living planet) also lent his support to Gunn in a Variety interview, saying:
“It’s sad. But it’s a part of our fabric now, and I get it. But I do think we’re getting a little too sensitive on maybe some of the wrong people.”
“You have to realize that when you are in that world as a comedian, a writer, whatever, youโre always stretching the boundaries and trying to find something which lead him to something that the world loves, which is Guardians of the Galaxy. He has a wonderful heart and a wonderful mind. I hope he is forgiven.”
Do you agree with Dave Bautista on his stance? What are your thoughts on Gunnโs firing? Let us know in the comments and be sure to follow us here at The Nerd Stash for all of your nerdy news and needs!
