Category: Movies & TV

  • Disney Releases First ‘Maleficent 2’ Teaser-Trailer

    Disney Releases First ‘Maleficent 2’ Teaser-Trailer

    Today, Disney released the first teaser-trailer for “Maleficent 2” and Angelina Jolie is back to her wicked ways!

    “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”, the follow-up sequel to 2014’s “Maleficent”, sees the return of Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning as the dark fairy Maleficent and Princess Aurora.

    Take a look at the teaser-trailer below:

    The sequel is described as “a fantasy adventure that picks up several years after “Maleficent”, in which audiences learned of the events that hardened the heart of Disney’s most notorious villain and drove her to curse a baby Princess Aurora, “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” continues to explore the complex relationship between the horned fairy and the soon to be Queen, as they form new alliances and face new adversaries in their struggle to protect the moors and the magical creatures that reside within.”

    Joachim Rønning directs from a story by Linda Woolverton and a screenplay by Linda Woolverton and Micah Fitzerman-Blue & Noah Harpster. Film is produced by Joe Roth, Angelina Jolie and Duncan Henderson with Matt Smith, Jeff Kirschenbaum and Michael Vieira serving as executive producers.

    Maleficent: Mistress of Evil hits theaters nationwide October 18.

  • Chewbacca Actor Peter Mayhew From ‘Star Wars’ Dies at 74

    Chewbacca Actor Peter Mayhew From ‘Star Wars’ Dies at 74

    Peter Mayhew, who is known to fans worldwide as the lovable Wookiee Chewbacca from “Star Wars”, has died at the age of 74, according to his agent.

    The London actor played Chewbacca in “Star Wars” (1977), “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980), “Return of the Jedi” (1983), “Revenge of the Sith” (2005) and “The Force Awakens” (2015). He also consulted on “The Last Jedi” to help teach his successor.

    Mayhew died on April 30 with his family by his side in his North Texas home. He is survived by his wife, Angie, and three children. His official Twitter account shared the news Thursday, as you can see in the post below:

    “He put his heart and soul into the role of Chewbacca and it showed in every frame of the films from his knock-kneed running, firing his bowcaster from the hip, his bright blue eyes, down to each subtle movement of his head and mouth,” his family said. “But, to him, the Star Wars family meant so much more to him than a role in a film.”

    He established the Peter Mayhew Foundation to provide funds for those in need, and suported the 501st Legion, Wounded Warriors, Make-a-Wish and other non-profits. Donations may be made to the Peter Mayhew Foundation.

    “His kindness, generosity and care will live on in the Peter Mayhew Foundation with Angie taking the helm as his voice,” his family said.

    There will be a memorial service for friends and family on June 29, with a memorial for fans in Los Angeles in early December at EmpireCon. He is survived by his wife, Angie, and three children.

  • BREAKING: ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ First Teaser Trailer Released

    BREAKING: ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ First Teaser Trailer Released

    Now this is the trailer you have been waiting for! Today Disney released the long anticipated teaser trailer for Star Wars: Episode IX and they also revealed the name!

    The name of the film is “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” director J.J. Abrams returns to helm the final chapter in the Skywalker saga.

    Lucasfilm debuted the first teaser trailer for the film during a panel today at Star Wars Celebration in Chicago. Take a look at the full teaser below:

    According to Abrams, the new installment takes place sometime after Rian Johnson’s “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” in which Leia Organa’s Resistance movement was forced on the run and battered by the First Order.

    Returning cast members include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker will also see the debut of Naomi Ackie and Richard E. Grant. Franchise veterans Mark Hamill and Anthony Daniels will reprise their roles of Luke Skywalker and C-3PO, respectively, with the new film also seeing the return of Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian for the first time since 1983’s “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi”.

    Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters on Dec. 20, 2019.

  • BREAKING: Disney Releases First Full Trailer for ‘The Lion King’ Live-Action Remake

    BREAKING: Disney Releases First Full Trailer for ‘The Lion King’ Live-Action Remake

    Disney has just released the first full length trailer for Jon Favreau’s upcoming live-action “Lion King” adaptation and it’s a thing of pride!

    The new clip, featuring amazingly realistic footage of the African savannah filled with giraffes, antelopes, and zebras, begins with Simba getting some advice from his wicked uncle Scar.

    Get your first look at the entire trailer below:

    “Life’s not fair is it, my little friend?” Scar asks a timid Simba. “While some are born to feast, others spend their lives in the dark, begging for scraps.”

    Mufasa then offers some sage wisdom, telling Simba: “You must take your place in the circle of life.”

    “Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance,” Mufasa says. “While others search for what they can take, a true king searches for what he can give.”

    The trailer also features the first, albeit brief, taste of a musical number. The clip ends with Timbon and Pumbaa singing “A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh” from “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

    Donald Glover leads the cast as young Lion Simba who loses his dad, while Beyonce — who is credited in the trailer with her last name, Knowles — voices Nala, a childhood friend and later love interest to Simba. The cast includes James Earl Jones reprising his role from the 1994 animated film as Simba’s father Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Simba’s villainous uncle Scar, Alfre Woodard as Simba’s mother Sarabi, with child actor JD McCrary playing the young version of Simba. Shahadi Wright Joseph is voicing the young Nala, while John Kani voices the baboon Rafiki and John Oliver playing Mufasa’s confidant, the hornbill Zazu.

    The Lion King is just one of several remakes Disney has on the docket, including Lady in the Tramp for its Disney+ streaming service and Tim Burton’s Dumbo, which bows March 29, 2019. Favreau previously had huge success with his remake of The Jungle Book, which grossed $966 million globally.

    The original Lion King grossed more than $968 million worldwide and featured memorable songs from Elton John and Tim Rice. Favreau’s Lion King is set to open July 19, 2019.

  • New Monsters Inc. Inspired Series Starring Billy Crystal and John Goodman Coming to Disney+

    New Monsters Inc. Inspired Series Starring Billy Crystal and John Goodman Coming to Disney+

    As we previously reported, a Monsters Inc. inspired series is in the works and today we have learned that both Billy Crystal and John Goodman will reprise their roles as Mike and Sulley in the new upcoming animated series Monsters At Work.

    The animated series is set to premiere on the Disney streaming platform, Disney+, in 2020. In addition to Crystal and Goodman, a monstrous lineup of actors who are lending their voices to Monsters At Work, the new animated series inspired by the world of Disney•Pixar’s Academy Award-winning film Monsters, Inc.

    The series for families picks up six months after the events of Monsters, Inc.The Monsters, Inc. power plant now harvests the laughter of children to fuel Monstropolis—after all, laughter does generate 10 times more energy than screams do. We’ll follow a new monster, Tylor Tuskmon (voiced by Superstore’s Ben Feldman), an enthusiastic and talented mechanic on the Monsters, Inc. Facilities Team (MIFT) who dreams of following in the footsteps of his idols—Mike and Sulley—and making his way up to the factory Laugh Floor as a Jokester.

    Crystal and Goodman won’t be the only familiar voices we’ll hear. Keep an ear out for John Ratzenberger, who will be voicing Yeti and a new character, Bernard; Jennifer Tilly, reprising the role of Celia Mae; and Bob Peterson, who in Monsters At Work will voice Roze, twin sister to his original Monsters, Inc. character, Roz.

    Monsters At Work also stars Kelly Marie Tran (Star Wars: The Last Jedi) as Val Little, Tylor’s lifelong BFF; Henry Winkler (Barry) as scatterbrained boss Fritz; Lucas Neff (Raising Hope) as an opportunistic plumber named Duncan; Alanna Ubach (Coco) as Cutter, a monster who always plays by the rules; Stephan Stanton (Star Wars Resistance) as Smitty and Needleman, the bumbling custodial team; and Aisha Tyler (Archer) will lend her voice to the role of Millie Tuskmon, Tylor’s mom.

    The series, which is produced by Disney Television Animation, was developed by and is executive produced by Bobs Gannaway—a Disney animation veteran whose credits include Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Planes: Fire and Rescue. Ferrell Barron (Planes: Fire & Rescue) produces, and Kat Good (Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero) and Rob Gibbs (Monsters, Inc.) direct.

    Stay tuned for more news about Monsters At Work as it’s announced. (Don’t worry—you’ll hear our joyous screams!) Like Roz, we’ll be watching. Always watching. Always.

  • Disney Reveals Post-Fox Merger 2019 Movie Release Schedule

    Disney Reveals Post-Fox Merger 2019 Movie Release Schedule

    Walt Disney Studios previewed their 2019 blockbuster movie schedule, including Fox titles, this week at CinemaCon in Las Vegas and it is packed!

    Disney recently acquired Twenty-First Century Fox’s assetss for $71.3 billion and they’re ready to show off their post-Fox merger movie lineup.

    The company showcased 20th Century Fox, Fox Searchlight and Blue Sky Studios right alongside its other movie divisions, Pixar, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm. Take a look at the entire 2019 schedule below:

    Breakthrough – April 17, 2019

    From producer DeVon Franklin (Miracles from Heaven) and adapted for the screen by Grant Nieporte (Seven Pounds) from Joyce Smith’s own book, Breakthrough is an enthralling reminder that faith and love can create a mountain of hope, and sometimes even a miracle.

    Disney Nature’s Penguins – April 19, 2019

    Disneynature’s all-new feature film Penguins is a coming-of-age story about an Adélie penguin named Steve who joins millions of fellow males in the icy Antarctic spring on a quest to build a suitable nest, find a life partner and start a family.

    Avengers: Endgame – April 26, 2019

    After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins due to the efforts of the Mad Titan, Thanos. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers must assemble once more in order to undo Thanos’ actions and restore order to the universe once and for all, no matter what consequences may be in store.

    Tolkien – May 19, 2019

    Tolkien explores the formative years of the orphaned author as he finds friendship, love and artistic inspiration among a group of fellow outcasts at school. This takes him into the outbreak of World War I, which threatens to tear the “Fellowship” apart. All of these experiences would inspire Tolkien to write his famous Middle-earth novels.

    Aladdin – May 24, 2019

    The Aladdin cast includes: Two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith (Ali, Men in Black) as the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes to whoever possesses his magic lamp; Mena Massoud (Amazon’s Jack Ryan) as Aladdin, the hapless but lovable street rat who is smitten with the Sultan’s daughter; Naomi Scott (Power Rangers) as Princess Jasmine, the Sultan’s beautiful daughter who wants to have a say in how she lives her life; Marwan Kenzari (Murder on the Orient Express) as Jafar, an evil sorcerer who devises a nefarious plot to unseat the Sultan and rule Agrabah himself; Navid Negahban (Homeland) as the Sultan, the ruler of Agrabah who is eager to find a proper husband for his daughter, Jasmine; Nasim Pedrad (Saturday Night Live) as Dalia, Princess Jasmine’s hand maiden and confidante; Billy Magnussen (Into the Woods) as Prince Anders, a suitor from Skanland and potential husband for Princess Jasmine; and Numan Acar (Homeland) as Hakim, Jafar’s right-hand man and head of the palace guards.

    Ad Astra – May 24, 2019

    Two decades after his father embarked on a one-way trip to Neptune, an Army Corps engineer takes it upon himself to travel to the outer edges of the solar system for answers. Along the way, he begins to uncover secrets that could reveal a threat to our planet’s survival.

    Dark Phoenix – June 7, 2019

    In Dark Phoenix, the X-Men face their most formidable and powerful foe: one of their own, Jean Grey. During a rescue mission in space, Jean is nearly killed when she is hit by a mysterious cosmic force. Once she returns home, this force not only makes her infinitely more powerful, but far more unstable. Wrestling with this entity inside her, Jean unleashes her powers in ways she can neither comprehend nor contain. With Jean spiraling our of control, and hurting the ones she loves most, she begins to unravel the very fabric that holds the X-Men together. Now, with this family falling apart, they must find a way to unite – not only to save Jean’s soul, but to save our very planet from aliens who wish to weaponize this force and rule the galaxy.

    Toy Story 4 – June 20, 2019

    Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called “Forky” to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy. Directed by Josh Cooley (Riley’s First Date?) and produced by Jonas Rivera (Inside Out, Up) and Mark Nielsen (associate producer Inside Out).

    Stuber – July 12, 2019

    When a mild-mannered Uber driver named Stu (Kumail Nanjiani) picks up a passenger (Dave Bautista) who turns out to be a cop hot on the trail of a brutal killer, he’s thrust into a harrowing ordeal where he desperately tries to hold onto his wits, his life and his five-star rating.

    The Lion King – July 19, 2019

    From Disney Live Action, director Jon Favreau’s all-new The Lion King journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

    The New Mutants – August 2, 2019

    Little is known about The New Mutants, a horror-infused X-movie from director Josh Boone that is reportedly based at least loosely on the Demon Bear Saga from the comics. The Rotten Tomatoes page says only, “The story of the New Mutants, a team of mutant heroes comprised of the first graduates from Charles Xavier’s school.” At one point not long ago, rumors were flying that the film would be delayed yet again and eventually released on the Disney+ app, but tonight at CinemaCon that is not the way it was being discussed.

    Artemis Fowl – August 9, 2019

    Directed by Kenneth Branagh and based on the beloved book by Eoin Colfer, Artemis Fowl follows 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl, a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds, as he finds himself in a battle of strength and cunning against a powerful, hidden race of fairies who may be behind his father’s disappearance.

    Spies in Disguise – September 13, 2019

    Spies in Disguise is a buddy comedy set in the high octane globe-trotting world of international espionage. Will Smith (Aladdin) voices Lance Sterling, the world’s most awesome spy. Cool, charming and super-skilled, saving the world is his occupation. And nobody does it better. Almost the exact opposite of Lance is Walter, voiced by Tom Holland (Spider-Man: Homecoming). Walter is a great mind but perhaps not a great socializer. What he lacks in social skills though, he makes up for in smarts and invention: Walter is the scientific genius who invents the gadgets Lance uses on his missions. But when events take an unexpected turn, Walter and Lance suddenly have to rely on each other in a whole new way. And if this odd couple can’t learn to work as a team, the whole world is in peril.

    The Art of Racing in the Rain – September 27, 2019

    Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, Martin Donovan and Gary Cole are among the human cast of The Art of Racing in the Rain. The film is based on a book in which a family dog named Enzo (voiced here by Kevin Coastner) evaluates his life through the lessons he has learned from his human owner, a race car driver named Denny Swift.

    The Woman in the Window – October 4, 2019

    Man of Steel’s Amy Adams stars in The Woman in the Window, based on A.J. Finn’s best-selling novel, which debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list and remains the biggest-selling adult fiction title of 2018. The story centers on a woman who’s a recluse in her New York City home, unable to venture outside. She spends her day drinking wine, watching old movies, recalling happier times and spying on her neighbors.

    Maleficent: Mistress of Evil – October 18, 2019

    A fantasy adventure that picks up several years after Maleficent, in which audiences learned of the events that hardened the heart of Disney’s most notorious villain and drove her to curse a baby Princess Aurora, Maleficent II continues to explore the complex relationship between the horned fairy and the soon to be Queen, as they form new alliances and face new adversaries in their struggle to protect the moors and the magical creatures that reside within.

    Ford v Farreri – November 15, 2019

    Set to be released under the 20th Century Fox label, Ford v Ferrari “is an upcoming action biographical drama film directed by James Mangold. It stars Christian Bale and Matt Damon while Jon Bernthal, Remo Girone, Caitriona Balfe, Noah Jupe and Tracy Letts have been signed in supporting roles.

    Frozen 2 – November 27, 2019

    A sequel to one of the highest-grossing animated movies of all time, the movie will have Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf heading deep into the forest to learn an ancient truth regarding the kingdom.

    Star Wars Episode IX – December 19, 2019

    The upcoming untitled American epic space opera film produced, co-written and directed by J. J. Abrams. It will be the third installment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, following The Force Awakens (2015) and The Last Jedi (2017), and the final episode of the main Star Wars film franchise.

    Call of the Wild – December 25, 2019

    Harrison Ford stars in an animated adaptation of the classic Jack London novel, in which a domesticated St. Bernard/Scotch Collie dog named Buck is stolen from his Santa Clara, California home and sold to freight haulers in the Yukon.

    Very few surprises here as many of these films were already scheduled, but with the addition of the Fox releases Disney plans on changing a few release dates so major film releases don’t step on each other. One thing is for sure, 2019 is going to be one awesome year of Disney Movies!

  • Angelina Jolie in Talks to Join Marvel’s ‘The Eternals’ in MCU Phase 4

    Angelina Jolie in Talks to Join Marvel’s ‘The Eternals’ in MCU Phase 4

    Some mega-star power may be coming to Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the form of Oscar winner actress Angelina Jolie.

    Jolie is in talks to joinMarvel’s upcoming Phase 4 offering, “The Eternals,” directed by indie auteur Chloé Zhao, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

    The Eternals are a fictional species of humanity appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They are described as an offshoot of the evolutionary process that created sentient life on Earth. The original instigators of this process, the alien Celestials, intended the Eternals to be the defenders of Earth, which leads to the inevitability of war against their destructive counterparts, the Deviants. The Eternals were created by Jack Kirby and made their first appearance in 1976.

    The new project is said to be focusing on a romance between Ikaris, a man who draws his power from cosmic energy, making him practically immortal, and Sersi, a brilliant female Eternal who has the ability to alter her appearance and often prefers to live among mortals, according to THR.

    It is not yet clear which character Jolie would play. No official announcement has been made, but it is understood that Marvel is moving ahead with the project after studio president Kevin Feige confirmed its development last April, as part of Marvel’s so-called “Phase 4”. Jolie would be a huge get for the studio and could help jump start one of the more obscure Marvel titles.

  • BREAKING: Disney’s Acquisition of 21st Century Fox is Finally Complete

    BREAKING: Disney’s Acquisition of 21st Century Fox is Finally Complete

    As of 12:02 am this morning Disney’s multi-billion dollar quest to obtain Twenty-First Century Fox’s assets is now officialy complete.

    Last December, Disney made an initial $52 billion offer for the bulk of Mr. Murdoch’s Fox empire. A bidding war broke out with Comcast submitting a $65 billion offer for the assets, but Disney quickly pushed back on Comcast’s offer with a higher bid of $71.3 billion, which Mr. Murdoch and his board quickly accepted. 

    Fox Corp. consists mainly of Fox Broadcasting, Fox Sports and Fox News. However; Disney is acquiring the Fox movie business, including Twentieth Century Fox, Fox Searchlight Pictures and Fox 2000 as well as Twentieth Century Fox Television, FX Productions and Fox21, with shows including “The Simpsons” and “Modern Family.”

    On Friday, Disney revealed the selections made by 21st Century Fox shareholders on whether to receive $38 in stock or cash in exchange for their Fox shares in the transaction. Slightly more than half — 51.57% — chose cash, while 36.65% chose Disney stock. The remaining 11.79% of holdings of roughly 1.8 billion shares outstanding did not make a selection by Thursday’s 5 p.m. ET deadline. Disney had projected that the compensation breakdown in cash and stock would be about 50-50.

    Fox Corp., the Fox assets that are not part of Disney’s $71.3 billion acquisition of Fox’s entertainment assets, began trading as a stand-alone company on Tuesday.

    Last year, Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger emphasized the business and strategic benefits of the takeover. “The acquisition of 21st Century Fox will bring significant financial value to the shareholders of both companies, and after six months of integration planning we’re even more enthusiastic and confident in the strategic fit of the assets and the talent at Fox,” Iger earlier said in a statement. “At a time of dynamic change in the entertainment industry, the combination of Disney’s and Fox’s unparalleled collection of businesses and franchises will allow us to create more appealing high-quality content, expand our direct-to-consumer offerings and international presence, and deliver more personalized and compelling entertainment experiences to meet growing consumer demand around the world.”

    There was so much more at stake here for Disney than the obvious rights to the X-Men and Fantastic Four brands. They now finally have the distribution rights for the original Star Wars trilogy and prequel trilogy. Most of those rights reverted back to Disney in 2020, but the original 1977 film’s rights would have remained at Fox.

    Another bonus is the Avatar franchise. With an entire land devoted to the franchise holding ownership over it was of great importance to the company. James Cameron’s Avatar is a potentially massive film franchise that Disney already has a vested interest in seeing succeed. It means potentially huge business not just at the movie theater, but also when it comes to merchandise and theme park success.

    Disney now get its hands on the FX channel. And of course the vast, impressive, lucrative library of Fox movies and TV series from past and present, that they can add to their upcoming streaming service Disney+, Hulu or anywhere else the choose.

    Disney also gets Fox’s 30 percent stake in Hulu. Disney already has a 30 percent stake in Hulu, so that arrangement now gives the company majority ownership of the streaming platform. And as Disney prepares to launch its own streaming services in 2019, it could become an actual contender against Netflix by combining its existing content with Fox’s movie, television and sports content.

    The deal that brings an end to era of the ‘Big Six’ studios. Disney Now takes ownership of one of the United States’ largest movie studios in a deal that solidifies their position as media super giant. With this deal Disney now owns seven of the top ten worldwide highest grossing movies of all time.

  • ‘Toy Story 4’ Debuts Emotional Full Length Trailer

    ‘Toy Story 4’ Debuts Emotional Full Length Trailer

    It’s finally here! After a few tiny teases from Pixar, we have our first full-length “Toy Story 4” trailer and as expected, it’s leaving us totally misty-eyed.

    The “Toy Story 4” trailer debuted Tuesday on ABC’s Good Morning America. Take a look below:

    Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called “Forky” to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy.

    Directed by Josh Cooley (“Riley’s First Date?”) and produced by Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out,” “Up”) and Mark Nielsen (associate producer “Inside Out”),

    Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” ventures to U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.

  • Disney Rehires James Gunn to Direct ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 3’

    Disney Rehires James Gunn to Direct ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 3’

    After firing James Gunn back in July, Disney has reinstated Gunn as director of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”

    Gunn was fired following the resurfacing of offensive tweets that made light of child sex abuse. The director apologized for the sentiments, which were resurfaced by conservative talking head Mike Cernovich, but was quickly axed by family-friendly Disney over the graphic and immature nature of his comments.

    When Gunn was fired, he issued a statement apologizing for his previous tweets.

    “My words of nearly a decade ago were, at the time, totally failed and unfortunate efforts to be provocative,” his July 2018 statement read. “I have regretted them for many years since — not just because they were stupid, not at all funny, wildly insensitive, and certainly not provocative like I had hoped, but also because they don’t reflect the person I am today or have been for some time.”

    The firing was controversial, with “Guardians of the Galaxy” stars, including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper and Dave Bautista, signing an open letter asking for the filmmaker to be rehired. Bautista, in particular, had been outspoken in his support of Gunn.

    Marvel Studios put “Guardians 3” on hold, though Marvel head Kevin Feige and others involved have maintained they intended to make the film happen. “Guardians 3” never had a release date, but Gunn previously said it would open in 2020.

    After firing Gunn, speculation began about who would replace the filmmaker. The search didn’t go far and according to Deadline there never really was one. Disney had gone back to Gunn and made a deal.

    Bringing the director back wouldn’t be a complete breeze as Gunn had already signed on to Warner Bros. and DC to write and direct “The Suicide Squad.” To make the whole thing easier Marvel Studios agreed to commence production onGuardians of the Galaxy 3″ after Gunn completes “Suicide Squad 2.”