Last week, self-proclaimed “ace scooper” Umberto Gonzalez — formerly of Latino-Review and now Editor-in-Chief of Heroic Hollywood — dropped a major bomb regarding Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. After citing four different anonymous sources, all unknowing of each other, Gonzalez revealed who Peter Quill’s (Star Lord's) father was.
Of course, Marvel would never confirm such a thing, and Gonzalez even warned “this would be heavily denied so if Marvel comes out swinging don’t buy it. It’s expected.” Despite having, I’d say, a 50/50 track record at best with rumors (I don’t know if there’s actually a site that keeps track of Gonzalez’s hits and misses, but I feel like lately they’ve been mostly misses), many other websites soon picked up the story and ran with it.
This essentially forced Guardians of the Galaxy writer and director James Gunn to respond. As Gonzalez warned, the rumor was denied, and Gunn posted a lengthy message denouncing spoiler culture in general. Here’s what he said:
All right. From this moment on I’m going to stop commenting on any rumors surrounding Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, because, eventually, someone is going to come up with a spoiler that has some truth to it. That said, the rumors surrounding Quill’s parentage at the present moment are completely false, and aren’t even close to the truth. I don’t know how people come up with this stuff, but it certainly isn’t through legitimate sources.
Also, I get the desire to get “scoops” on character inclusion and casting choices, etc. But since when is a plot spoiler a “scoop”? Is this really what fandom wants to know? Plot details in movies ahead of time? I got in this business because I love movies, and I think most film journalists are the same way. And spoiling plot details doesn’t add to the enjoyment of the film-going experience. So bravo to those folks out there who don’t partake in this sort of thing.
But, as I said, eventually someone will actually spoil some detail of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. So this will be my last comment squelching a rumor until May 2017. But if you do pick up on some plot detail between now and then, be aware, A) They are likely full of shit, as has been everyone so far who has claimed to have had inside info, and B) We’re creating a film that doesn’t rely on plot twists to be an enjoyable experience. They’re only a very small part of what we’re cooking up for you.
James
Gonzalez warned of this, though. Of course, Gunn wouldn’t admit to Peter Quill’s father. Gonzalez was so sure he was right with his scoop. Only… he wasn’t. After some back and forth on Twitter with Gunn, Gonzalez and the official Heroic Hollywood twitter account admitted they were wrong with their rumor about Star Lord’s father. Here’s a sample of some of the back and forth.
@JamesGunn I mean, you're denying a quote from your own movie there…
— Heroic Hollywood (@heroichollywood) November 29, 2015
You misunderstand. The character you’re saying it is isn’t “something ancient (etc)” so obviously isn’t who it is. https://t.co/fXomGwHbnd
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) November 29, 2015
@heroichollywood 1000%. Never even an idea to me. But I already said that, didn’t I!? I mean, come on, guys.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) November 29, 2015
Yes. Exactly. Which doesn’t apply to the character you say it is. https://t.co/H7nOtMTHo0
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) November 29, 2015
The entire conversation essentially turned into James Gunn having to defend against a rumor that he already said wasn't true. Heroic Hollywood was essentially pressing the director for spoilers stemming from a rumor he already denied. Even fans thought the website was out of line in its questioning.
@heroichollywood @JamesGunn is this really how we spend our time on the internet? Arguing what a twist maybe with the director of the twist?
— Lindsey Pankhurst (@LindseyPank) November 29, 2015
@JamesGunn @clintp74 @heroichollywood leave James alone! You scoop people are making me sick.
— Dose Of Opinion (@doseOfopinion) November 29, 2015
In the end, and admittedly I'm not entirely sure what went down behind the scenes, but Heroic Hollywood admitted defeat.
We officially apologize to our readers and especially to @JamesGunn. Apparently we were wrong about Star Lords Parentage.
— Heroic Hollywood (@heroichollywood) November 29, 2015
Ace Scooper officially folds on this one. I feel I gave it my best shot. Onto the next one. Good night folks.
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) November 29, 2015
.@JamesGunn Now I personally apologize to you, @Kevfeige & @Marvel for the inconvenience. You seem like you are indeed a man of your word.
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) November 29, 2015
I suppose it's a classy retraction, but it doesn't undo the fact that the entire debate between Heroic Hollywood and James Gunn spawned from an erroneous report. As I said previously in my post about Kotaku and publishers, leaks are fine if you want to report on them (as long as you own up to the consequences).
But this, this was something completely different. This was nothing but hearsay presented as fact. Despite having no physical proof, Heroic Hollywood made bold claims about a major story point in a highly anticipated film. And in doing so, they made a fool of themselves and their readers. I'm glad the website owned up to their false report, but the damage is done already.
If you're going to make a living off the poisonous nature of this spoiler culture, you better be damn right in your scoops. At least Kotaku got their rumor right.
