James Gunn: Disney Re-Engages Director of Guardians of the Galaxy Sacked

Director James Gunn was rehired to lead Guardians of the Galaxy 3 after being fired by Disney for 10-year tweets that joked about rape and abuse.

It comes after famous cast members of the Marvel series have signed an open letter calling for Gunn's return.

In a tweet, he thanked Disney and his followers and said "delighted to continue making movies that badyze the love bonds that unite us all".

He was fired last July for tweets that Disney described as "indefensible".

The stars of the first two franchise films had openly supported Gunn after his dismissal, including Bradley Cooper, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel and Dave Bautista.

The Guardians of the Galaxy series has grossed more than $ 1.6 billion (£ 1.2 billion) worldwide, with more after the first movie.

According to Deadline, the decision was made by Disney executives several months ago, after being publicly excused in July and charging the incident.

He reportedly began production of Guardians of the Galaxy 3 after completing Suicide Squad 2, produced by Marvel's rival, DC, reports Deadline.

• Could Disney rehire James Gunn for Guardians?

Before his dismissal, he confirmed that he had written the screenplay for a third film of the Guardians.