‘Galaxy’ of support to rehire Gunn

The “Guardians of the Galaxy” cast issued a statement Monday vouching for the character of fired director James Gunn and calling for his rehiring ahead of the series' third film.

Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Michael Rooker, Pom Klementieff, Sean Gunn, Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper voiced their support via social media for Gunn, who was fired by Disney July 20 over years-old tweets mocking rape and pedophilia.

“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,” the statement read. “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.”

The statement continued as the cast insisted, “The character he has shown in the wake of his firing is consistent with the man he was every day on set, and his apology, now and from years ago when first addressing these remarks, we believe is from the heart, a heart we all know, trust and love,” it said.