[UPDATE: Marvel wants to rehire James Gunn - just not for Guardians 3.]

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Disney is meeting with director James Gunn about potentially rehiring him for Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, according to a new rumor. Gunn was fired from Guardians of the Galaxy 3 earlier this month after old tweets of his were resurfaced by far-right conservative sites and personalities. The tweets themselves included references to rape and pedophilia, and jokes about controversial topics like the Holocaust, 9/11 and AIDS.

In the wake of Gunn being removed from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, a number of celebrities voiced their support of the director and protested Disney's decision. Most recently, the cast of Guardians of the Galaxy penned an open letter in support of Gunn and called for Disney to reinstate him as director of the third film in the series. A recent report claimed Disney isn't rushing to replace Gunn, which seemed to indicate the company was contemplating rehiring the writer-director. Now, a new rumor points to the Mouse House taking the next step toward reinstating Gunn.

Related: Why James Gunn Was Fired From Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

The DisInsider editor-in-chief Skyler Shuler tweeted that sources say Disney is meeting with Gunn to discuss potentially rehiring the director, presumably for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Shuler further reiterates Disney is taking their time in terms of deciding next steps for this situation. Take a look at Shuler's tweet below.

Those who have hoped to see Disney rehire Gunn, including everyone who signed the petition created to further that very cause, will likely be heartened by the Mouse House taking steps toward that possible goal. After the company fired Gunn following the resurfacing of his tweets, Disney seems to be taking their time to assess the situation and see what's best for everyone. That includes meeting with Gunn. However, it should be noted that a meeting doesn't necessarily mean the studio will ultimately decide to rehire Gunn for Guardians of the Galaxy 3, nor does it mean Gunn would want to return.

There's still a great deal about the situation that's unknown. While a meeting about potentially reinstating Gunn sounds like a step toward the director being rehired, it's not a guarantee of that outcome. Certainly, for those who have supported Gunn through his firing and the days since, it's good to see Disney is potentially open to reconciliation. And for those who have criticized Disney's arguably too-quick dismissal of Gunn, it's heartening to see the company is now taking their time.

What ultimately happens and how the situation is resolved remains to be seen. There are still many who want to see Disney rehire Gunn for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 - and they may yet get to see that happen. For now, though, fans have to wait and see what comes of Gunn's meeting and what Disney decides to do in terms of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Next: Disney's Decision On James Gunn Will Define The MCU

Source: Skyler Shuler/Twitter

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