The cast of Guardians of the Galaxy have drafted an open letter in support of shamed director James Gunn, who was fired from Marvel’s blockbuster franchise last week.
Gunn, who helmed the first two films in the series, was let go from the third film by Walt Disney after a series of his old tweets resurfaced. Unsurprisingly the posts, which included jokes about paedophilia, AIDS, rape and even the Holocaust, caused an outcry amongst movie fans.
At first the cast refused to discuss the furore, but have now come forward in support of Gunn, with an open letter shared to social media.
If you please, read the statement written and signed by The Guardians of the Galaxy cast in support of James Gunn’s reinstatement as director of GOTG Volume 3. pic.twitter.com/TjNA9RF6M8
— Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) July 30, 2018
In the letter, the group say: “Each of us looks forward to working with our friend James again in the future. His story isn’t over – not by a long shot.
“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 weaponising mob mentality.”
However, Disney spokesperson Alan Horn said Gunn’s tweets were “indefensible” and “inconsistent with our studio’s values.” Gunn shared the controversial tweets between 2008 and 2011, before he began working with Disney and Marvel.
Fans are divided about Gunn’s letter, and took to Twitter to express their feelings on the matter.
Some stood behind the director
Uuurrrgggh, Some of these comments on here make my head hurt, please someone push the reset button on this nonsense, Troma films make a living from over the top offensive jokes, James worked at Troma, end of case,
Move on
We love you James, just like the full cast of GOTG
— Dennis Xtro Atherton (@denzbeanz) July 30, 2018
This is heartening to see, not least because it is rare to see such solidarity and loyalty in the world of show business.
— Angus McRockford (@AngusRockford) July 30, 2018
Of course they’re going to want to support him. After 2 films, they’ve placed their trust in this man to help them create the best story possible and are probably like family. It’s not wrong of them to show love to their director. He’s not a criminal.
— Hi (@abbaa_abbss) July 30, 2018
Whereas others felt Gunn got what he deserved
the guardians movies have been my favorites for a long time, and i admire your cast but you have to realize that you make movies for kids….and to have someone who has joked about violence against children alarmingly time after time to make those movies isn’t appropriate
— jules (@fiImkid) July 30, 2018
No He should not be reinstated. Sometimes your actions create loss. How many people went out and abused children because Gunn made jokes and mocked real pain? 9yrs ago He waded in the darkest of sewers and laughed about It! Now he’s our neighborly GOTG director..trust him. No!
— Këta Chï ? (@astera_unides) July 30, 2018
I understand Zoe you love James, I understand he have treated you very well But what heI did is very serious, he has no excuses and Im sure he understands, this isnt just jokes. By supporting James youre supporting everyone who, from now, on do it the same in any social network pic.twitter.com/LRGQ3zaDyW
— Comics Zone #ReleasetheSnyderCut (@hot_comix) July 30, 2018
Can’t agree with you on this one. People keep saying, “it was from years ago.” He was 41 years old at the time. 41! Not some young man who’s immaturity got the better of him. He KNEW the severity of his tweets. What if he was saying that about your child? Still feel the same?
— Angi (@angonana1) July 30, 2018
it doesn’t matter that he made these tweets 10 years ago he still did it. no person who makes these kind of “jokes” should work for a company aimed at kids. gotg 3 is better off without him. I’m disappointed that you and the rest of the cast want him back to direct
— ava ✨ (@kpondsong) July 30, 2018
Gunn has issued an apology for his tweets, sharing a statement that said: “I have apologised for humour of mine that hurt people. I truly felt sorry and meant every word of my apologies.”
There are now two Change.org petitions circling the web, one asking Disney to bring Gunn back as director of GotG III, and another begging the company not to. As of writing, the petition for his rehire is ahead of the game, with 368,006 signatures to 3,790, but both are rising rapidly.
Which will you be signing? Tell us in the comments!
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