James Gunn shuts down claims of disloyalty after Guardians promotion

James Gunn has defended promoting the final Guardians of the Galaxy movie, despite now running rival DC Studios.

Next month brings the much-anticipated release of James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which will be special not just because it concludes that trilogy but because it marks the official farewell from Gunn, who last year took over as co-CEO and co-chairman at DC…you know, Marvel’s rival. This dynamic has caused some to question James Gunn’s loyalty to his new company.

Earlier this week, James Gunn posted a throwback pic from the set of the third Guardians, to which one follower commented, “The worst business that DC could do was to hire someone who advertises the competition… unbelievable, now can you imagine what their movies are going to be like??? I think it’s a disaster”.

James Gunn, who is never one to shy away from shutting down “fans” on social media, responded in a far more mature fashion. “The last thing DC would want is someone who would spend the last 12 years of his life creating a series of films, and then turn his back on the last movie he created and poured his heart and souls into, as well as his collaborators and the investors. I wasn’t hired at DC without everyone on board being very clear and supportive up front and continuously through this process.” 

Suggesting James Gunn is disloyal because he’s promoting the upcoming Guardians threequel–which, again, is his own movie–is pretty absurd. So is suggesting that he banish Marvel from his comments, especially since Gunn has acknowledged his respect for Marvel head Kevin Feige in the past, once tweeting, “Not only do I love Kevin, he was the 1st person I told after I did the deal with DC…Contrary to popular belief, a dollar less for Marvel is not a dollar more for DC. DC & Marvel have the common goal of keeping the theater-going experience vibrant & alive!” James Gunn has even been open about doing an actual crossover between the Marvel and DC universes, although he’ll have to secure his footing at DC first. We’ll be sure to report the reaction on that if it ever comes to fruition…

Are you more excited for James Gunn’s work on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 or his upcoming projects at DC Studios? What sort of hole will his Marvel departure leave? Let us know in the comments below!