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Guardians of the Galaxy cast including Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper and Zoe Saldana sign statement backing James Gunn after sacking

The Guardians of the Galaxy cast have openly called for director James Gunn to be reinstated for the third film.

Gunn was sacked by Disney after a string of offensive tweets sent by Gunn between 2008 and 2012 resurfaced on social media.

Stars of the successful film franchise Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana had previously appeared to speak out about the dismissal but have now put their names on a letter to bosses calling for Gunn to be reinstated.

The letter, posted on Pratt’s Instagram, read: “We fully support James Gunn. 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.

Screening: (L-R) David Bautista, Zoe Saldana, Pom Klementieff, Chris Pratt, James Gunn, Kurt Russell, Karen Gillan and Michael Rooker: Dave Benett
Screening: (L-R) David Bautista, Zoe Saldana, Pom Klementieff, Chris Pratt, James Gunn, Kurt Russell, Karen Gillan and Michael Rooker: Dave Benett

“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 – including Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel – went on to say that they “are not here to defend his jokes of many years ago” and that they believe his apology is heartfelt.

Backing: Chris Pratt has called for James Gunn to be reinstated by Disney (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Backing: Chris Pratt has called for James Gunn to be reinstated by Disney (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

The statement went on: “There is little due process in the court of public opinion. 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 assassination and stop weaponising mob mentality.”

The cast of the popular movies also added that they are “looking forward to working with our friend James again in the future”.

Alongside the statement, Pratt wrote: “Although I don’t support James Gunn’s inappropriate jokes from years ago, he is a good man. I’d personally love to see him reinstated as director of Volume 3.

“If you please, read the following statement- signed by our entire cast.”