PETA names director James Gunn as their ‘Person of the Year’
The director, best known for his contributions to the world of superhero cinema, James Gunn, has been named as the ‘Person of the Year’ by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, better known as PETA.
In a statement on Instagram, the non-profit organisation wrote: “From using Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to expose the suffering of millions of animals used in lab experiments to adopting his dogs and cat – James Gunn is a champion for animals”. Replying to the post, Gunn stated that he was “honoured and touched” by the accolade, having shined a spotlight on the issue of animal abuse during his 2023 Marvel blockbuster.
The final film in his beloved Marvel trilogy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 focused on the character of Rocket, voiced by Bradley Cooper, a humanoid raccoon with a streak for violence and profanity. While the character was largely sidelined for the first two films in the series, in the third movie he is given the limelight, with the story focusing on the scientific tests he was forced to endure.
In a specific article praising the director, PETA added: “Gunn’s 2023 blockbuster hit, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, is in a league of its own. The film did something that few movies have ever done: It engaged a Marvel-sized audience with a thought-provoking narrative about the horrors of experiments on animals”.
Continuing, they added: “With an estimated 70 million homeless dogs and cats in the U.S. alone, adoption is the only responsible option when it comes to welcoming an animal companion into your home. A devoted dad of two adopted dogs, Ozu and River, and a cat named Emily, rescued by Gunn as a stray, the Guardians of the Galaxy director showcases his real-life superhero spirit by passionately advocating for adoption to his millions of followers on social media”.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 made $845.6million at the worldwide box office and stands as the only saving grace for a difficult financial year for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Take a look at Peta praising Gunn and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 below.
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