Guardians of controversy: James Gunn’s firing and the star-packed support that followed

Few firings have sent shockwaves through Hollywood like that of James Gunn from Guardians of the Galaxy 3. On July 20, 2018, Disney took the bold step of dismissing the acclaimed director due to the surfacing of past controversial tweets that sparked a right-wing social media uproar. Even though Gunn had previously apologized for these tweets in 2012, the magnitude of the event underscored the power and perils of the digital age. As the story unfurled, it wasn't just about the tweets. It became a battle against the mob mentality online, and the movie's cast was right at the forefront.

Hollywood stars unite in support

Less than ten days after the dismissal, the galaxy's guardians took a stand. In a heartfelt open letter, key cast members including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, and Dave Bautista expressed their unequivocal support for Gunn. "We fully support James Gunn," they stated boldly, looking forward to a future collaboration. But it wasn't just about supporting a friend; it was also a broader commentary about the dangerous mob mentality they believed led to his firing.

Also Read: When DC Studios rolled the dice: Revisiting James Gunn's surprising appointment.

Their sentiments were echoed across social media. Bautista tweeted, "@JamesGunn is one of the most loving, caring, good-natured people I have ever met. He’s made mistakes. We all have. I’m NOT ok with what’s happening to him."

Saldana, too, voiced her feelings, hinting at the emotional upheaval the incident had caused. Gunn, introspectively, reflected on his past behavior. “My days saying something just because it’s shocking and trying to get a reaction are over,” he tweeted, marking his evolution from a provocateur to a more mature filmmaker.

Also Read: From letters to legends: Revisit James Gunn’s genius touch on the 'Suicide Squad' revamp 

The movement gains momentum

The cries for justice went beyond just the cast of Guardians. Selma Blair, in a show of solidarity, took the drastic step of quitting Twitter. Her departure came with a powerful message, a link to a petition urging Disney to rehire Gunn. The petition quickly gained traction, amassing over 300,000 signatures, and spearheading the hashtag #RehireJamesGunn.

Yet, Disney remained silent. The corporation's initial statement was its last on the matter, leaving an industry and fanbase in suspense. The James Gunn controversy remains one of Hollywood's most polarizing moments in recent history, underscoring the balance between past mistakes and the pursuit of redemption.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)