Selma Blair has urged fans to sign a petition in support of James Gunn.

Selma Blair

Selma Blair

The 51-year-old filmmaker - who wrote and directed the first two installments of the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' film series - has been booted from the helm of the upcoming third movie by Walt Disney studios after offensive social media posts he had made in the past resurfaced online

and the 'Cruel Intentions' star has lent her support to the director by sharing a link to a Change.org petition.

She tweeted: "Marvel: RE-HIRE JAMES GUNN - Sign the Petition! https://chn.ge/2JIuUrB via @Change. Because if people are punished despite changing, then what does that teach people about owning mistakes and evolving? This man is one of the good ones.(sic)"

At the time of writing, the petition has already attracted almost 170,000 signatures.

Meanwhile, a number of 'Guardians of the Galaxy' stars have also voiced their support for the ousted director.

Addressing his firing, Chris Pratt, 39, tweeted a praying hands and heart emoji and wrote: "'Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters. Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.' JAMES

1:19 (sic)"

His co-star Zoe Saldana, 40, admitted it had been "challenging", and while she hinted at commenting in more detail on the issue in the future but still voiced her support for Gunn.

She tweeted: "It's been a challenging weekend I'm not gonna lie. I'm pausing myself to take everything in before I speak out of term. I just want everyone to know I love ALL members of my GOTG family. Always will.(sic)"

Dave Bautista has also promised to address the subject at length, but in the meantime, he told fans he isn't "OK" with the behind-the-scenes change.

He tweeted: "I will have more to say but for right now all I will say is this..@JamesGunn is one of the most loving,caring,good natured people I have ever met. He's gentle and kind and cares deeply for people and animals. He's made mistakes. We all have. Im NOT ok with what's happening to him (sic)"

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