‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Director Fires Back

'Guardians of the Galaxy' Director Responds to Those Calling for Chris Pratt's Cancellation Due to His Faith

According to CBN's Goins-Phillips (2022) of Faithwire, James Gunn, the director of the first two "Guardians of the Galaxy" films, is responding to critics who are attempting to cancel the film with Marvel Cinematic Universe actor Chris Pratt, ostensibly because of his Christian religion.

“For what?” Gunn enlisted the help of a Twitter user who urged the MCU, which is owned by The Walt Disney Company, to replace Pratt in the film franchise. “Because of your made-up, utterly-false beliefs about him? For something that someone else told you about him, that’s not true? Chris Pratt would never be replaced as Star-Lord, but, if he ever was, we would all be going with him.”

Pratt's on-again, off-again criticism has resurfaced in the wake of the release of the trailer for the next MCU film, "Thor: Love and Thunder."

As previously reported by CBN's Faithwire, there is a point in the one-and-a-half-minute teaser where Star-Lord — played by Pratt — gives his squad a pep talk, telling them to “look into the eyes of the people that you love” if they feel they have lost their path. Thor, represented by Chris Hemsworth, looks deeply into Star-Lord's eyes after the remark.

Many people on social media were reminded that Star-Lord, whose real name is Peter Quill, was shown as bisexual in a 2020 issue of the "Guardians of the Galaxy" comic book.

It is important to note that, despite enduring harsh criticism over the years based on assumptions, Pratt has never addressed his opinions on sexuality or politics. He has simply declared that he is a Christian who goes to church.

For what? Because of your made-up, utterly-false beliefs about him? For something that someone else told you about him that’s not true? Chris Pratt would never be replaced as Star-Lord but, if he ever was, we would all be going with him. — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 25, 2022

Much of the criticism arises from a 2019 incident in which "Juno" actor Ellen Page — who now identifies as a transgender person and goes by the name Elliot — chastised Pratt for visiting Zoe Church in Los Angeles. Chad Veach, the church's head pastor, promotes a biblical understanding of sexuality. As a result, Page chastised Pratt for attending services at a church that she described as "infamously anti-LGBTQ."

At the time, Pratt simply said: “I go to a church that opens their doors to absolutely everyone.”

As seen by the above tweet, some are pushing for Pratt to be replaced by "Aquaman" star Patrick Wilson.

Some are perplexed by the campaign to fire Pratt, pointing out that he has not done or said anything publicly that could be considered cancel-worthy.

“Wait, why?” One Twitter user responded to the message requesting Pratt's replacement. “I’m so lost. Everyone loved him a few years ago then you guys found out he went to church and that’s it?”

Last Monday, Oliver Jia, NK News' social media editor, tweeted that people “have been attempting to cancel Chris Pratt for years based on nothing,” adding, “There is zero evidence to suggest he holds any kind of homophobic or bigoted views. You’re trying to cancel someone who doesn’t exist.”

Jia pointed out that in today's cultural milieu, people like Pratt might be rejected “purely on rumours, speculation, or literally made-up scenarios and no one will question it.”

Pratt is hardly the only MCU actor that has sparked outrage on the left.

Evangeline Lilly, star of "Ant-Man and the Wasp," experienced anger from progressives in late January after she stated that individuals should not be compelled to obtain a COVID-19 immunisation. She even went to a pro-mandate rally in Washington, D.C.

“I believe nobody should ever be forced to inject their body with anything, against their will … under any threat whatsoever,” Lilly wrote in an Instagram post alongside photos from the protest. “This is not the way.”

The former “Lost” star, who was raised Christian, said such tactics are “not safe” and “not healthy.”

“This is not love,” wrote Lilly. “I understand the world is in fear, but I don’t believe that answering fear with force will fix our problems.”

Reference: Goins-Phillips, Tré. “‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Director Fires Back at People Calling for Chris Pratt to Be Cancelled for His Faith | CBN News.” CBN News, www1.cbn.com, 25 Apr. 2022, https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/2022/april/lsquo-guardians-of-the-galaxy-rsquo-director-fires-back-at-people-calling-for-chris-pratt-to-be-cancelled-for-his-faith.