Ever since the news broke that Disney fired James Gunn as the director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 after right-wing outlets published some of Gunn’s old tweets featuring tasteless jokes about pedophilia and rape, tons of fans and Gunn’s colleagues have spoken out. This includes members of the cast from the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Zoe Saldana, who plays alien assassin Gamora, wrote on social media, “It’s been a challenging weekend I’m not gonna lie. I’m pausing myself to take everything in before I speak out of term. I just want everyone to know I love ALL members of my GOTG family. Always will.”
Her statement was very measured, as was Chris Pratt’s. The actor, who portrays the Guardians leader Star-Lord, wrote, “‘Understand this, dear brothers and sisters. Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.’ JAMES 1:19.”
Dave Bautista, who plays another alien member of the ragtag Guardians group Drax, was much more direct. When the news first broke, Bautista tweeted that Gunn “is one of the most loving, caring, good natured people I have ever met. He’s gentle and kind and cares deeply for people and animals. He’s made mistakes. We all have. Im NOT ok with what’s happening to him.” This week, Bautista has added this addition to his statement: “What will you do when the #cybernazis attack you? who will stand by you? Who will cowardly distance themselves from you? Who will punish you for horrible JOKES in the past instead of defending you for INSPIRING millions? MILLIONS!!!”
A Change.org petition created by fans to pressure Disney into rehiring Gunn has already gained 187,000 signatures, heading toward its 200,000 goal. However, despite the petition’s success and celebrities giving their defenses of Gunn, Disney hasn’t released any word on if it will renege its decision.