This isnt about whether someone should or shouldnt be canceled. Rather, its about who gets to come back afterward and why.

By Candice Frederick | Published Nov. 8, 2023

This story is a part our weeklong series on cancel culture.
Read the other stories here .

No one ever talks about what happened with James Gunn.

In 2018, decade-old problematic social media posts from The Guardians of the Galaxy director, in which he joked about rape and rape culture, resurfaced. Then he was effectively canceled . Disney yes, the media conglomerate that has had its own problems lately immediately fired Gunn, prompting an outcry from countless supporters of his.

Those included moviegoing fans as well as A-listers like John Cena and Patton Oswalt, who implored the public to allow Gunn some grace. Gunn said he deeply regretted who he was when he posted those thoughts and vowed hed since changed. He was forgiven, reinstated as director of the Guardians films and is now the co-chair and co-CEO of DC Studios.

And thats fine. Were all human and still learning. We will continually fuck up until for those of us who are sincere about changing we finally get it right. And we should be allowed the space to prove that and succeed.