Co-head of DC Studios and Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” Director James Gunn announced that he would not join the cancellation culture chorus attacking one of his actors. DC movie star Zachary Levy isn’t trying to get away with, and won’t punish, Gun-In for his recent tweet criticizing the maker of the COVID-19 vaccine, Pfizer.
Despite backlash against the “Shazam: Fury of the Gods” star for his statement that Pfizer was a “danger to the world,” Gunn insisted he was not trying to throw Levy under the bus or find anyone. Will not. Alternative
The director and studio head insisted that just because Levy said something he and others disagreed with didn’t mean plans to work with the actor would change.
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James Gunn has defended “Shazam: Fury of the Gods” actor Zach Levy after he tweeted criticism of vaccine maker Pfizer.
(Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)
Levi, who plays the titular character in DC Studios’ “Shazam” superhero series, sparked a firestorm of Internet criticism Sunday when he tweeted his negative impression of Pfizer.
In response to a Twitter user who asked whether or not you agree that Pfizer is a real threat to the world. “I strongly agree,” Levy tweeted. Social media users criticized the actor for being anti-vaxxer.
Outrage over Levy’s tweet has made for a potentially more complicated press tour for the upcoming “Shazam” sequel, which premieres in March.
Gunn, who was recently named co-head of DC Studios, was asked about Levy’s tweet during a press event on Monday. He responded by admitting that he was willing to accept that actors and other filmmakers had different opinions from him.
In Variety, he said, “Just real: The actors and filmmakers that I work with are going to say things that I agree with and things that I don’t agree with. And that’s going to happen. I don’t have a list. Of things that someone should say because of what I think.”
Gunn also emphasized that he is not willing to change or revise his filmmaking plans because the people he works with have different opinions. “And you know, I can’t change my plans all the time because an actor says something I don’t agree with,” he added.
Although Gunn suggested that he would be more willing to take action if he was working with someone who was “doing something morally reprehensible”.
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James Gunn was fired by Disney after tweets about rap, pedophilia, 9/11 and child abuse. The director apologized for his tweets and later reinstated them.
(Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage)
Gunn’s leniency toward Levy may have been partially influenced by his own experiences when it came to confrontations with “cancel culture.” In 2018, he was fired from Disney/Marvel for years-old tweets mocking rape and child molestation that resurfaced and went viral.
Gunn claimed at the time that he was merely being “provocative”, although he later regretted making the joke. Disney eventually reinstated Gunn as director of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise that same year.
During a Fox News interview on his “The Suicide Squad” press tour in 2021, Gunn expressed some sympathy for those who have been canceled due to inflammatory or unpopular statements. He said, “I mean, listen, I always am. Attracted to outsiders“
Gunn has also expressed support for others in Hollywood, who have reacted to his behavior. Gunn recently pledged support for the mental health recovery of “The Flash” actor Ezra Miller on behalf of DC Studios. Both he and fellow DC Studios co-head Peter Safran claimed they were “supportive” of Miller’s announcement that he would seek mental health treatment last year.
The actor claimed he would recover after he was recently charged with aggravated robbery last May. DC bosses said they would also be willing to talk to the actor about future plans with DC Studios when he’s ready to reboot.
Gunn also defended the “Guardians of the Galaxy” star. Chris Pratt After fans demanded to replace him in the series last year. All these were connected with Pratt’s religious faith.
The director slammed calls for Pratt to cancel, tweeting, “For what? Because of your made up, totally wrong beliefs about it? Someone else told you about it.” Isn’t that true? Chris Pratt will never be replaced as a star. -Lord but, if he ever was, we’d all go with him.”
Cast member Zachary Levy is attending Warner Bros. “Shazam!” Press Line at Comic-Con International: San Diego on July 23, 2022.
(Reuters/Odd Gorucci)
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