Dave Bautista Slams Disney For Firing James Gunn, Says It ‘Empowered Some Horrible, Horrible People’

Guardians of the Galaxy actor Dave Bautista is continuing to show his support for James Gunn who was suddenly let go by Disney last summer after controversial tweets from the director resurfaced.

Since James Gunn was fired, Dave Bautista has been one of his biggest and most vocal supporters. James Gunn had written the script for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and was set to begin directing the film this past January. Production on the film has since been delayed. In the time since his firing, Dave Bautista helped launch a campaign along with the rest of the Guardians cast to persuade Disney to reconsider their decision to fire James Gunn. He also went as far to say that he would drop out of the film should Disney opt not to use James Gunn’s script.

During an interview with Tampa Bay Times, Dave Bautista was asked about James Gunn, which he defended, saying James Gunn “wouldn’t hurt a soul” but that his controversial tweets were  “gross … terrible jokes” and meant for “shock value.”

Dave Bautista went on to stand up for James Gunn criticize Disney’s decision to fire the Guardians of the Galaxy director:

“But at the end of the day, the thing I know the most, is that they were jokes, and this harsh, rash decision to fire him empowered some horrible, horrible people.”

He also made it clear how important loyalty is to him but admitted while defending the director was taxing:

“It was draining. But if I’m not the guy who defends my friends, who am I?”

While James Gunn won’t be returning to direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3, Dave Bautista is expected to reprise his role as Drax The Destroyer. He’ll next be seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe this April in Avengers: Endgame.

Here’s the synopsis to Avengers: Endgame:

After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins due to the efforts of the Mad Titan, Thanos. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers must assemble once more in order to undo Thanos’ actions and restore order to the universe once and for all, no matter what consequences may be in store.

Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, Avengers: Endgame stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Don Cheadle, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldana, Paul Rudd, Jeremy Renner, Brie Larson, Josh Brolin and Chris Pratt.

Avengers: Endgame is scheduled to be released in theaters on April 26, 2019.

Source: Tampa Bay Times