Marvel fans, ready your tissues as we’re about to say goodbye to another beloved Marvel team. Director-writer James Gunn revealed that the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the last time the fans will see Peter Quill/Star-Lord and the rest of the Guardians.
In an episode of Deadline’s Hero Nation podcast, Gunn spoke about the third installment of the film, where he confirmed that this is the last film for him and The Guardians. “This is the end for us, the last time people will see this team of Guardians.”
The director also teased that Vol. 3 is much bigger and darker than the previous films. “It’s so, so big and dark, and different from what people might be expecting it to be,” he said. “I just want to be true to the characters, the story and give people the wrap-up that they deserve for the story. That’s always a little bit scary; I’m doing my best.”
Gunn then continued to tell Deadline about the pressure of creating the last film of a trilogy, saying that it’s “always a little bit scary.” “I’m doing my best… I’m aware that the third film in most trilogies sucks,” he said before adding that it’s “not always” the case.
This isn’t the first time Gunn shared to the public about the darker tone of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and how it will be different from everyone’s expectations. Speaking to Collider on January 11, Gunn teased about the film and a new character that will join the cast members.
“It’s going great. Chukwudi [Iwuji], who plays Murn in Peacemaker, is one of the main characters in the movie and people are freaking out over how good this guy is. Literally freaking out. I think that I’m really happy.”
Gunn went on to tell how Kevin Feige, the president of Marvel Studios was stoked about the film. “I gave a bunch of scenes to Marvel right before Christmas break. Kevin [Feige] went… They were all really, really, really stoked.” He added, “But also, it’s not going to be the movie people… It’s different than what people are going to expect. It’s a hard road, but I’m really happy with it so far.”
Gunn returned as the director and writer of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Joining Gunn are cinematographer Henry Braham who was previously involved in Vol. 2, editor Fred Raskin, and production designer Beth Mickle, who had worked with Gunn on The Suicide Squad.
Chris Pratts will reprise his role as Peter Quill/Star-Lord and Zoe Saldana as Gamora. Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Vin Diesel, Pom Klementieff, and Sean Gunn are also returning. Newcomers Will Poulter and Chukwudi Iwuji will also appear in the film.
The production of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 had started in November 2021 and Gunn shared a group photo of him, the returning cast members, and Iwuji.
He wrote: “It’s been a strange & long & at times challenging journey to get here, but the obstacles along the way have only made this moment more blissful. Back on set with my Guardians family for the first day of shooting #GotGVol3.”
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is set to hit theaters on May 5, 2023.
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