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Marvel Cinematic Universe star Chris Pratt has become a divisive figure to some on social media in recent years. His fellow Avenger, Robert Downey Jr., took issue with comments aimed at Pratt and spoke out in support of his friend on Instagram. Discover what he wrote and why.

Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Pratt starred in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’

Robert Downey Jr. attends the premiere of Disney and Marvel's 'Avengers: Infinity War' on April 23, 2018 in Hollywood, California.
Robert Downey Jr. attends the premiere of Disney and Marvel’s ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ on April 23, 2018 in Hollywood, California. | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Downey Jr. joined the MCU first, kicking off the franchise with Iron Man in 2008. He continued to portray the lead character Tony Stark for more than a decade, appearing in films such as The Avengers and Captain America: Civil War. Pratt began playing Peter Quill (Star-Lord) in Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014.

The two first worked together in Avengers: Infinity War. The 2018 film saw Stark head into space for the first time, where he, Peter Parker (Spider-Man), and Doctor Strange met the Guardians, led by Quill. The characters fought Thanos together. Both actors returned for what’s thought to be Downey Jr.’s final Marvel film, Avengers: Endgame.

Chris Pratt has faced criticism for his political views and religion

Chris Pratt attends the premiere of Disney and Marvel's 'Avengers: Infinity War' on April 23, 2018, in Hollywood, California.
Chris Pratt attends the premiere of Disney and Marvel’s ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ on April 23, 2018, in Hollywood, California. | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

As his star has risen during his time in the MCU, Pratt’s personal life also earned increased interest. In 2019, he married Katherine Schwarzenegger, daughter of actor and former Republican governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, after the pair met at Hillsong Church in Los Angeles.

The church, which counts Justin Bieber among its celebrity patrons, is known for its anti-LGBTQ stance. Pratt has spoken out in support of the church, which earned him backlash from social media followers. Additionally, many believe his family connection indicates he is a Republican.

Downey Jr. defended Pratt on Instagram

Amid the criticism of Pratt, Downey Jr. chimed in. “What a world… The “sinless” are casting stones at my brother, Chris Pratt… A real Christian who lives by principle, has never demonstrated anything but positivity and gratitude… AND he just married into a family that makes space for civil discourse and (just plain fact) INSISTS on service as the highest value,” he wrote.

Downey Jr. continued, aiming at those who spoke out against Pratt. “If you take issue with Chris,,, I’ve got a novel idea. Delete your social media accounts, sit with your OWN defects of character, work on THEM, then celebrate your humanness,” he wrote. After tagging Pratt, Downey Jr. finished, “I #gotyerbackbackback.”

Pratt didn’t participate in 1 event

The weeks leading up to the 2020 presidential election have brought multiple virtual events in which celebrities take a stance against incumbent Donald Trump. One such event for the Biden Victory Fund took place on October 20, 2020, with Avengers: Infinity War directors Joe and Anthony Russo speaking to vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

Actors Don Cheadle, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Paul Rudd, Mark Ruffalo, and Zoe Saldana joined the filmmakers and the senator. Downey Jr. and Pratt both weren’t on the schedule, but the former dropped in as a surprise guest to play trivia, adding his support for Harris and Biden.

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