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James Gunn’s Departure Reshaped Avengers 5 & 6, Marvel Admits

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James Gunn’s departure from the MCU undeniably impacted the future direction of the Guardians of the Galaxy, and quite possibly influenced Marvel Studio’s plans for upcoming Avengers films like “Doomsday” and “Secret Wars.” As a key writer and director at Marvel Studios with his Guardians movies, Gunn’s exit to establish a connected franchise with DC Studios featuring 14 Marvel actors, likely forced Marvel to adjust their future strategy.

Following his appointment as co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn found himself devoted solely to that particular brand, thus distancing himself from projects at Marvel Studios. It’s well known that the creator of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy forged strong relationships with the cast members including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Bradley Cooper, and others. After Gunn was dismissed by Marvel Studios, these actors publicly petitioned for Gunn’s reinstatement for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

In my perspective, some distinguished actors from the “Guardians” series, like Bautista, have openly declared they won’t rejoin the franchise regardless of the circumstances. During his interview on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Bautista highlighted that his character, Drax, had a fitting farewell in “Guardians of the Galaxy 3.” He also emphasized that he wouldn’t agree to play Drax again merely for financial gain.

Leaving this role was an ideal conclusion. Each of us had beautifully crafted character arcs, culminating in a fairy-tale ending. It reminds me of how I concluded my wrestling career – gracefully and on a high note. Just as I wouldn’t return to the ring for money, risking tarnishing that memory, I won’t reprise this role as Drax, simply for a paycheck, as doing so might diminish its perfection.

Had Gunn continued working with Marvel Studios, it’s plausible that the portrayal of characters in the Guardians movies would have evolved differently. Instead of Guardians 3 serving as a finale for certain characters, they might have played pivotal roles in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. In these films, there’s a chance they could have led the Avengers.

Since Gunn left, it’s likely that Marvel Studios needed to adjust their plans and give more emphasis to other characters within the universe as some of the Guardians may not be readily available anymore.

Over time, it’s possible that the final versions of “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars” might have appeared quite distinct from their original concepts when Marvel Studios initially started brainstorming and sketching out ideas for these films.

Just like Bautista, Zoe Saldana has also announced her departure from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In an interview with Variety, Saldana expressed her gratitude for the time she spent portraying Gamora. However, she expressed concern about leaving Gamora alone in the MCU. When referring to herself as an actress, Saldana bid farewell to the MCU, but expressed hope that the character of Gamora would be recast.

In my opinion, my part was fantastic, and the experience along with my collaboration were both unforgettable and fulfilling… Over and over again, I express my excitement for what’s to come for Gamora. I truly hope she isn’t finished yet, and I dream that a woman of color or a woman with special abilities will be given the opportunity to portray her next. That would truly be amazing!

It’s tough to envision a situation where Saldana wouldn’t reprise her role as Gamora in the next two planned Avengers movies, had Gunn remained connected to Marvel Studios.

How the MCU Changed After James Gunn Was Fired

It’s worth noting that Marvel Studios had to alter their strategies significantly a few years back following James Gunn’s dismissal. Before the start of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Marvel Studios publicly announced they terminated Gunn’s services due to old tweets he posted years ago.

Prior to Gunn’s termination from the company, the writer and director of the Guardians series announced during a Facebook live broadcast that his films would serve as a foundation for the next decade or two of Marvel cinematic productions.

The release of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ will lay the foundation for the upcoming two decades of Marvel films, significantly broadening the scope of the cosmic universe.

On a different occasion, during an interview with The Wrap, Gunn also disclosed that he was sought out for other Marvel Cinematic Universe films where he neither wrote nor directed.

I was providing feedback on everything regarding the Marvel movies. Specifically, Kevin would share the ‘Spider-Man’ script with me, whereupon I’d offer suggestions. Similarly, he’d send me drafts for ‘Doctor Strange,’ ‘Captain Marvel,’ and I’d provide input for all those movie scripts.

Well, it’s evident that I was poised to step into an executive position at Marvel Studios, overseeing the cosmic aspect of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Sadly, my tenure didn’t last, and Marvel Studios swiftly altered their plans following my dismissal. For a couple of years now, the franchise has been progressing without me in the driver’s seat.

If Edgar Wright hadn’t been let go from the project and had successfully launched a comprehensive cosmic phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that spanned over a decade or more, it’s possible that the Guardians of the Galaxy would have grown even more prominent within the MCU than they currently are. They might have even reached the same level of significance as the Avengers in the franchise.

It’s nearly certain that Marvel Studios had to significantly alter their strategies upon Gunn’s initiation of his DC franchise. These adjustments will likely have long-lasting effects, but it’s evident that they influenced “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars” in some way.

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2025-05-04 23:23

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