Actor and filmmaker Kevin Smith, known for movies like “Clerks,” suffered a serious heart attack Sunday night, forcing him to cancel a show to go to the hospital, where doctors were able to save his life.
In response to Smith sharing his hospital trip on Twitter, actor Chris Pratt tweeted reaching out to the filmmaker. Pratt said he doesn’t know Smith well, but is a fan. He then wrote that he will be praying for Smith, and called his fans and followers to do the same.
Praying for you. I will continue to. You inspired me with Clerks when I was a senior HS. I’m tagging my Lb/rb football coach who showed me the movie cause he believed in me and knew I’d be inspired. @hodge1916 https://t.co/syB7BiQaoY
— chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) February 26, 2018
After Pratt received some backlash for sending his prayers, director James Gunn tweeted in response defending Pratt’s sentiment.
“I think people misunderstand the backlash against ‘thoughts & prayers,'” said Gunn, who directed Pratt in both of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies. Gunn then proceeded to tweet nine times in defense of the film star.
So I just read Chris Pratt’s tweet to Kevin Smith saying he would pray for him & made the mistake of reading the comments, many of which go off on Chris for saying he’d pray. I think people misunderstand the backlash against “thoughts & prayers.” (thread)
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018
Gunn argued that using the expression “thoughts and prayers” in this case was different than others in which people have tangible needs. Using the Parkland shooting and Puerto Rico as an example, Gunn said the issue was people sending “thoughts and prayers” on social media, without taking action to solve the problem itself.
“But no one expects Chris Pratt to shoulder doctors out of the way and perform heart surgery on Kevin Smith. Nor does Kevin need Chris to pay his medical bills,” said Gunn.
5 But no one expects Chris Pratt to shoulder doctors out of the way and perform heart surgery on Kevin Smith. Nor does Kevin need Chris to pay his medical bills. So I think his prayers are appreciated, and about all he can do.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 26, 2018