Why James Gunn Left Marvel for DC: From Firing to Forgiveness to a Whole New Universe
When Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hit theaters in 2023, fans knew it would mark the end of an era — not just for the misfit cosmic team, but for James Gunn’s time with Marvel Studios. But why did Gunn really walk away from the red brand, and what led to him becoming the architect of the DC Universe?
Let’s break down one of the most dramatic and impactful director exits in superhero movie history.
The Firing That Changed Everything
In July 2018, James Gunn was fired by Disney after controversial tweets from his past resurfaced. These tweets, posted years prior, included jokes about topics like pedophilia and the Holocaust. The backlash was swift — and so was Disney’s response.
“The offensive attitudes and statements discovered on James’ Twitter feed are indefensible and inconsistent with our studio’s values.”
— Disney Chairman Alan Horn
While the move was meant to protect the brand, it sparked major backlash. Gunn’s cast and crew — including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, and Bradley Cooper — publicly supported him, releasing a joint letter calling for his reinstatement.
At the time, Gunn admitted he believed his career was over:
“100% thought it was totally done. I might have to sell my house… but then all these people stood by me, and I felt loved for the first time in my life.”
— James Gunn on Happy, Sad, Confused (2025)
Warner Bros. Makes Its Move
While Disney deliberated, Warner Bros. pounced. DC Films head Toby Emmerich approached Gunn with an offer: “James Gunn Superman.” Gunn wasn’t sold — at first.
Instead, he pitched The Suicide Squad, which Warner Bros. greenlit almost immediately. Just as he began work on the film, Disney called. Alan Horn wanted to rehire him.
But by then, Gunn had already committed to DC.
“I told Kevin [Feige], ‘I have to do something else first… I’m doing a Suicide Squad sequel.’ And he said, ‘It’s fine. Go do it. Then we’ll do Guardians 3.’”
A Director in Two Universes
The result? James Gunn became the first director to actively shape both the MCU and the DCEU at the same time.
🛸 Gunn directed The Suicide Squad (2021) and the Peacemaker spin-off on HBO Max.
🚀 He returned to Marvel to film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, delivering one of the MCU’s most emotional and acclaimed Phase 4 movies.
Shortly after The Suicide Squad’s release, Warner Bros. took the ultimate step: they named Gunn co-head of DC Studios, alongside producer Peter Safran.
James Gunn’s New Empire: The DCU
Now, Gunn is the chief creative voice behind DC’s future, ushering in the rebooted DCU, starting with:
- Superman (2025), starring David Corenswet
- Creature Commandos (animated series)
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
And eventually a full Justice League-level arc
Marvel, meanwhile, has lost one of its most distinctive voices — and possibly one of its best franchise builders.
Why Gunn Won’t Return to Marvel
Even though Gunn parted ways with Marvel on good terms, the director has made it clear: he’s all-in on DC now. The trauma of the 2018 firing, the loyalty shown by Warner Bros., and the creative freedom he’s been given all solidified his move.
In his words:
“I love Marvel. I love those characters. But it’s time for something new… something that I get to shape from the ground up.”
