Director James Gunn has once again confirmed that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will be his last film in the extremely popular franchise. In previous interviews, Gunn has stated the same but he has now reminded fans that his journey ends with the threequel once it is released in theaters. This means that if Marvel Studios were to continue the franchise, Gunn will not be a part of it moving forward.
The director, who is known to be very active on social media, was answering a question by a fan regarding this being his last venture, or if he would be working on a fourth Guardians of the Galaxy installment. “I’m planning on it being my last,” Gunn’s response read, which led to many fans of the franchise expressing their disappointment. However, many were grateful to Gunn for his contribution to the Marvel Cinematic Universe at the same time, especially after his experience of being fired from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and then rehired.
While the last standalone Guardians of the Galaxy film was released in 2017, fans saw the Guardians as part of 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War and 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, which ends with them taking off from Earth with Thor. One of the most emotional moments from Avengers: Infinity War was Gamora’s death when Thanos sacrifices her to attain the Soul Stone. However, fans would remember that Thanos travels to the future with a past version of Gamora in Avengers: Endgame after learning of the Avengers’ plan to undo his work. While Tony Stark’s sacrifice ends Thanos’ path to destruction and his life, it is unclear whether the 2014-version of Gamora lives.
As is the case with all Marvel films, the plot of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is being kept a secret, but if the storyline were to continue from Avengers: Endgame, it would most likely revolve around Star-Lord and the remaining Guardians of the Galaxy going on a search for Gamora. Gunn has confirmed that the script for Vol. 3 has already been finalized and production is expected to begin later this year. The sizzle reel released by Marvel earlier in May set the film’s release date for the beginning of the 2023 summer season.
Apart from working on one of the most loved franchises in the MCU, Gunn is also involved with the DC Extended Universe. His next project is The Suicide Squad, a sort-of reboot of the 2016 film. Set to release in August 2021, the new film will bring a variety of fresh and returning anti-heroes to the big screen. Apart from that, Gunn is also currently working on the HBO Max series Peacemaker, a spin-off with John Cena’s character from The Suicide Squad.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will release in theaters on May 5, 2023.
Source: James Gunn/Twitter