LOS ANGELES - The "Guardians of the Galaxy" cast has issued an open letter in support of ousted director James Gunn.

The cast - including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana and Bradley Cooper - said in a statement released Tuesday that they were "shocked" by the director's "abrupt firing" last week from the third installment of the franchise and have "been encouraged by the outpouring of support from fans and members of the media who wish to see James reinstated as director of Volume 3."

Disney parted ways with Gunn after a number of offensive tweets of his from the past resurfaced. The director's tweets began making rounds after conservative blogs highlighted the years-old statements, which made references to pedophilia and molestation, reports CNN.

The Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn called Gunn's comments "indefensible and inconsistent with our studio's values" in a statement announcing his termination.

Gunn said he accepted Disney's decision and apologized for "the way I conducted myself."

In wake of his exit from "Guardians," Gunn has found several supporters in Hollywood, including Selma Blair and comedian Patton Oswalt.

Saldana, Pratt and fellow cast member Dave Bautista previously acknowledged the controversy on social media, but the cast letter marks the most notable show of support for Gunn yet.

"We cannot let this moment pass without expressing our love, support and gratitude for James," the cast said. "We are not here to defend his jokes of many years ago but rather to share our experience having spent many years together on set making Guardians of the Galaxy 1 and 2." - Agencies