The cast of Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” probably asked themselves this ever-pertinent question: "How do we help James Gunn?" Well, they sure found a way today, as the 'Guardians' cast released a statement in support of director Gunn, who was recently fired after offensive tweets, he had written several years ago, resurfaced.
Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Bradley Cooper, Sean Gunn, Vin Diesel, Pom Klementeiff and Michael Rooker all signed the open letter in which they insist Disney reinstate Gunn as director of the upcoming third installment of the 'Guardians' franchise.
“We fully support James Gunn,” it begins. “We were all shocked by his abrupt firing last week and have intentionally waited these ten days to respond in order to think, pray, listen and discuss.”
“We are not here to defend his jokes of many years ago but rather to share our experience having spent many years together on se making ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ 1 and 2,” the letter continued. “The character he has show in the wake of his firing is consistent with the man he was every day on set, and his apology, now and from years ago when first addressing these remarks, we believe is from the heart, a heart we all know, trust and love.”
“James is likely not the last good person to be put on trial. Given the growing political divide in this country, it’s safe to say instances like this will continue, although we hope Americans from across the political spectrum can ease up on the character assassinations and stop weaponizing mob mentality.”
Chris Pratt, on Instagram:
“Although I don’t support James Gunn’s inappropriate jokes from years ago, he is a good man,” he wrote. “I’d personally love to see him reinstated as director of Volume 3.”