Beloved filmmaker Kevin Smith suffered a massive heart attack last night following a stand-up special, and took to Twitter to express his gratitude and relief. The news shocked celebrities and fans alike, most notably Chris Pratt. The sitcom-turned-action star sent Smith his prayers following the near-death experience - but didn't receive the response one would expect.
There's been a huge amount of backlash regarding our nation's use of "thoughts and prayers" in dire situations - especially ones that could have been avoided. Several Twitter users took this opportunity to liken Pratt's "prayers" with those uttered following tragedies such as school shootings. Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn was having none of this - and quickly came to Pratt's defense with a smart and poignant Twitter thread.
"If I hadn’t canceled show 2 to go to the hospital, I would’ve died tonight." @ThatKevinSmith is recovering after suffering a "massive" heart attack. https://t.co/7VRxjqwBNz
— Twitter Moments (@TwitterMoments) February 26, 2018
Kevin we don’t know each other too good but I have loved you since Clerks and I’m praying my ass off for you cause I believe in the healing power of prayer. Can you please pray with me people!? 🙏♥️ https://t.co/syB7BiQaoY
— Chris Pratt (@prattprattpratt) February 26, 2018
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
Science and a team of caring, hard working physicians and nurses saved @ThatKevinSmith . The great sky fairy doesn’t exist. 🤷🏻♀️
— MissMolecular ⚛️ (@20to1Devotchka) February 26, 2018