UPDATE: James Gunn's brother, Sean Gunn, has confirmed that Marvel still plans to use James Gunn's original script.

Disney is reportedly planning to use James Gunn's script for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Over the last several years, Gunn created and shaped not only the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, but MCU Cosmic in general. He was scheduled to direct the third film and help create new franchises and spinoffs in space, too. That has all changed after he was fired from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 over resurfaced tweets. This decision by Disney has been widely debated and the status of the film, Gunn's future, and more have become one of the biggest continuous stories in Hollywood over the last few weeks.

One piece of the Guardians 3 puzzle that continued to be unclear was the status of the film's script. Gunn completed the script prior to his firing, but with Disney severing their business relationship with him, most believed they would move on. There was even a rumor just a few hours ago that Disney was tossing Gunn's script aside, but that may not be true.

Related: Why Rehiring James Gunn May Be Harder Than Fans Realize

THR reports Disney still plans on using Gunn's script for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. This decision, if officially made, will allow for the film to move forward in development and pre-production, while giving Marvel the ability to discuss the project with other potential directors with a story intact. This could change, though, as part of Gunn's exit negotiations with Disney and Marvel.

One of the biggest reasons this development is so shocking is that Disney would still have to credit Gunn as the screenwriter if they use his script. Removing him from the project entirely would've eliminated his ties to the third film, allowing for any further potential controversy over his involvement to be nonexistent. Now, he should still be credited for his contribution. With this in mind, it may make Disney's decision to not rehire Gunn even stranger.

The positive part to this is what it means for the overall Guardians of the Galaxy story as well as the plans for the MCU's future. While it doesn't appear that Gunn will get the chance to direct the final chapter of his trilogy, his story may still be able to be completed. He teased several characters like Adam Warlock and Quasar could be introduced, so their involvement could remain. Additionally, this would give Dave Bautista one less reason to try to exit the franchise, as he previously threatened to ask for his release if Gunn's script wasn't used.

Since this isn't yet confirmed by Disney and given the ever-changing narrative around Vol. 3, it is possible that Disney using Gunn's script could still change. As always, we will bring you more details on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and the James Gunn situation as they become available.

MORE: Dave Bautista Will Only Do Guardians 3 To Fulfill MCU Contract After Gunn's Firing

Source: THR

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