To The Walt Disney Company and 20th Century Studios:

As cinema enthusiasts and advocates for artistic freedom, we request the release of the original version of Ad Astra (2019), directed by James Gray.

 

This ambitious science fiction film, acclaimed for its emotional depth and direction, was significantly altered by Disney following its merger with Fox. The director himself stated, "The film was taken from me during editing," and "What you saw is not what I made."

 

James Gray also publicly criticized the addition of a voice-over against his wishes: "It was completely stupid. It was a device imposed by the studio to make the film more accessible, but it betrayed the character's interiority." He explained that a more ambiguous and introspective ending was replaced: "It's not the ending I wrote, it's not the ending I shot, it's not even the ending I edited."  

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Why is this important?

 

Respect for artistic vision: The theatrical release does not reflect the director's intent. A film should not be distorted for marketing constraints.

 

Transparency with the audience: Viewers have the right to see the work as conceived by its creator.

 

Support for creators: This situation exemplifies a loss of artistic control. Supporting this cause means defending creative freedom against studio pressures. 

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What we are asking:

 

That Disney and 20th Century Studios allow James Gray to finalize and release his version of Ad Astra, whether through streaming, Blu-ray, or a special screening, as has been done for other works (e.g., Zack Snyder’s Justice League). 

 

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How to support this initiative?

 

Sign this petition

 

Share it on social media with the hashtag #ReleaseJamesGraysAdAstra

 

Reach out to Disney and 20th Century Studios to express support for the release of the original version

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"They stole the film from me. I never want to go through that again." — James Gray

 

Let's ensure his true

version of Ad Astra sees the light of day.