The “Guardians of the Galaxy” cast released a statement Monday supporting James Gunn and saying each of them wants the director rehired for the third installment of the series.
Disney fired Gunn from the project after offensive tweets he made years ago about rape and pedophilia were made public again, drawing outrage.
"We fully support James Gunn," said a statement signed by "Guardians of the Galaxy" cast members Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, and others.
"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," the statement continued. "In that time, we’ve been encouraged by the outpouring of support from fans and members of the media who wish to see James reinstated as director of Volume 3 as well as discouraged by those so easily duped into believing the many outlandish conspiracy theories surrounding him."
The cast members said they were disturbed by “character assassinations” and “mob mentality” that occur from dredging up old social media remarks. “There is little due process in the court of public opinion. James is likely not the last good person to be put on trial.”
In apologizing for the old tweets, Gunn said the social-media posts of “nearly a decade ago were, at the time, totally failed and unfortunate efforts to be provocative,” Variety reported.
Alan Horn, chairman of Walt Disney Studios, called Gunn’s old remarks “indefensible and inconsistent with our studio’s values” when the director was terminated.
Gunn has received support from other Hollywood celebrities, but the cast statement could help in changing the minds of Disney executives.
The "Guardians of the Galaxy" cast members seemed optimistic when they pointed out: “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.”
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