While it's not really a surprise following the firing of writer/director James Gunn, the next step is now official: Disney and Marvel have put a hold on production for Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3.
This isn't as drastic a move as it might sound, since the film only had a small crew at this point, and pre-production hadn't officially kicked off, with the film originally not due to shoot until the new year. But it does mean that those who had been quietly working on the movie aren't stuck in limbo and can now look for other jobs.
Gunn was dismissed from the job after offensive old tweets were surfaced by right wing conspiracy types looking to get him fired. The Guardians cast has expressed their support for the writer/director, but that hasn't moved Disney to re-instate him.
The search for a filmmaker to take over the job remains a priority and both companies are aiming to get the film out, but have not set a release date. Gunn had previously talked up 2020 as a likely release year, a target that now seems highly unlikely given that the project may also require a new script along with a new director.
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