Warner Bros. has announced that they have hired James Gunn to write the next installment in the "Suicide Squad" series. This is the first job Gunn has taken since he left Disney and the lucrative "Guardians of the Galaxy" franchise, because of old controversial tweets that were sent to Disney. GameSpot first reported the news of Gunn's hiring by Warner Bros.

James Gunn finds a new job with Suicide Squad after Disney firing

James Gunn is reported to have a completely new take on the Suicide Squad property. Warner Bros. had previously tapped Gavin O'Connor to be the director but he is now involved in the Ben Affleck project "Torrance." The studio made the deal with Gunn after he was let go from the "Guardians of the Galaxy 3" project by Disney.

Deadline reports that Gunn was fired by Disney and Marvel Studios after a series of controversial tweets resurfaced. The tweets were made nearly a decade ago, and were jokes about rape and pedophilia. Gunn had previously apologized for the messages and did so when they resurfaced. Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn called his statements offensive and indefensible and later announced that Disney had severed business ties with him.

James Gunn could be the key to rebuilding DC villains

Since his firing, the entire cast of "Guardians of the Galaxy" signed a public letter in support of their director. Dave Bautista later confirmed that the third film had been put on hold indefinitely. The third film was expected to start production in 2019 and be released in 2020.

It's still a mystery who will direct the next Guardians film, though entertainment insiders believe that "Thor: Ragnarok's" director Taika Waititi would be the most logical choice, given his comedic work on "Ragnarok." It's unclear whether he will take on "GOTG 3" now that Gunn has moved to the DC superhero factory.

With James Gunn coming on board, that will most likely mean a longer wait for the release of "Suicide Squad" though nobody had suggested when fans would see the film anyway.

The first "Suicide Squad" was written and directed by David Ayer and brought in $746 million. The film also led to the development of the spinoff Birds of Prey, featuring Harley Quinn in a female-driven film.

Until "Suicide Squad" begins production, a new Joker film has started production. With Gunn taking over the "Suicide Squad" universe, DC's villains could have a very unique spin on them thanks to Gunn's handy work. Gunn has not said yet whether he will direct the film, just that it's a possibility.
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