The highly anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has a story behind its making that could rival the plot of a movie. Originally intended to kick off Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and set the stage for future space-based stories, the film hit a roadblock in 2018 when director James Gunn was fired due to controversial tweets from years earlier. However, fate intervened, and Gunn found himself at Warner Bros. Pictures, where he was given the opportunity to direct The Suicide Squad and eventually become the co-CEO of DC Studios and the director of the next Superman film.
Meanwhile, the third Guardians film was put on hold, with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige trying to find a replacement for Gunn. However, in a surprising turn of events, Gunn was reinstated in March 2019, after his return became public knowledge. Although the script existed prior to the controversy, Gunn's commitment to The Suicide Squad delayed production, which finally began in November 2021.
Now, let's delve into what we know so far about Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and uncover clues about why this may be the last adventure for our beloved Guardians.
Cruel To Be Kind
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Based on the trailers and Chukwudi Iwuji's appearance in full costume at Marvel Studio’s presentation, it is evident that the main conflict in the film will involve the Guardians and the High Evolutionary. In the comic books, the High Evolutionary is a man from Manchester, UK, whose pursuit of genetic and evolutionary research went to extreme levels. As a result, he created animal-human hybrids known as "New Men." His experiments led to clashes with various Marvel heroes, ultimately forcing him to flee Earth and continue his research elsewhere.
In the film, it is unclear whether the High Evolutionary is a human from Manchester or an extraterrestrial being. However, his goal of evolving all species to fit his vision of a perfect society remains the same. The trailers also suggest that Rocket will confront his past and encounter someone he left behind.
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Additionally, other storylines from previous films will reach their conclusion in Vol. 3. Despite dying in Avengers: Infinity War, Gamora will appear in the film due to time travel shenanigans from Avengers: Endgame, creating a version of her that has not experienced the events of the first two Guardians movies. This opens up the possibility of a second chance at love for Peter Quill, even though Gamora may not reciprocate his feelings. Furthermore, the egg featured in a stinger scene in Vol. 2 will hatch, giving rise to Adam Warlock, a character with a score to settle with Peter after their encounter in Vol. 2.
The trailers for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 have a somber tone, with Peter pleading for one last ride and Drax expressing gratitude for his time spent with his friends. Although the film may not culminate in the death of multiple Guardians, it seems likely that the characters will come to the realization that it's time to move on. Time passing is a recurring theme, as evidenced by the introduction of the Guardians' new ship, the Bowie.
Satellite Of Love
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While the Guardians' adventures can take them across Nova Corps Space and the Kree Empire, the story is likely to begin on Knowhere. The Guardians acquired the inhabited skull of a deceased Celestial from the Collector following the events of Avengers: Endgame. The team is now focused on transforming Knowhere into a home for displaced individuals rather than an ore mine and hub of illicit activities.
The trailers also offer glimpses of other locations, including the High Evolutionary's research facility, a world resembling modern-day Earth where the High Evolutionary may have deposited his "New Men," a prison world (which could be part of the High Evolutionary's lab), and the remains of another Celestial. Earth may also play a role, particularly following Drax and Mantis's encounter with Kevin Bacon in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.
Children Of The Revolution
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The returning cast includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper (as the voice of Groot), Karen Gillan, and Vin Diesel. Elizabeth Debicki, who portrayed Ayesha in Vol. 2, is also set to return. Interestingly, the Guardians holiday special revealed that Mantis is Peter Quill's half-sister, a detail established in the Vol. 2 script but cut from the final film. Debicki's Ayesha, leader of the Sovereign species, has a score to settle with the Guardians ever since they double-crossed her, leading to the infamous Adam Warlock stinger.
Will Poulter assumes the role of Adam Warlock, a character described as both "newly born" and more aligned with traditional superhero tropes, despite not necessarily being heroic. Gunn has stated that Adam Warlock adds an "interesting juxtaposition" to the Guardians and their growth since their initial encounter on Xandar.
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Several other actors from the previous films will reprise their roles in Vol. 3, including Sean Gunn as Kraglin, who may now lead the Ravagers or even be part of the Guardians themselves. Sylvester Stallone's Stakar Ogord, a member of the original Guardians lineup in the comics, also returns, although the extent of his involvement remains unclear. Michael Rosenbaum, the voice of the android Martinex in Vol. 2, also makes an appearance in Vol. 3.
Maria Bakalova, Daniela Melchior, Nico Santos, and Asim Chaudhry join the cast in undisclosed roles. Bakalova voices Cosmo the Spacedog, a beloved Marvel cosmic character that made a brief appearance in the first Guardians film as part of the Collector's collection.
I Just Want To Be Your Everything
(Photo by Jay Maidment/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
James Gunn returns as the writer and director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. The rest of the crew includes director of photography Henry Braham, production designer Beth Mickle, costume designer Judianna Makovsky, and editors Fred Raskin and Greg D'Auria. However, there has been a change in the composer, with John Murphy taking over from Tyler Bates during the production of The Suicide Squad.
On the production side, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige serves as the producer, joined by executive producers Louis D'Esposito, Simon Hatt, Nikolas Korda, Sara Smith, and Victoria Alonso.
Isn't It Time?
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has maintained a release window for May 2023. This highly anticipated film will kick off a summer of superheroics on May 5, following the next chapter of the MCU's Phase 5.
Although this marks James Gunn's final story with the Guardians, the characters and actors may potentially continue their journeys in other film series if they survive the events of Vol. 3.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 opens in theaters on May 5, 2023. Be sure to secure your tickets now!
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