James Gunn has previously suggested that fans should expect to bid farewell to at least one member of the team in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and it sounds like a heartbreaking death or two might only be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the major status quo shift we should prepare ourselves for.
While speaking to Deadline from the set of the Marvel Studios threequel, Gunn confirmed that “this is the end for us, the last time people will see this team of Guardians.”
“It’s big; it’s so, so big and dark, and different from what people might be expecting it to be,” the filmmaker continued. “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.”
“I’m aware that the third film in most trilogies sucks; not always,” he added.
Of course, just because this original incarnation of the GOTG will be no more after Vol. 3, doesn't mean some of the character won't stick around in The MCU and possibly even form a new version of the team down the line.
Specific story details are still a closely guarded secret, but a few nuggets have been revealed over the past year or so. We do know that Gamora (Zoe Saldana) will be a big part of the movie, and a recent report indicated that her relationship with Nebula (Karen Gillan) is going to be the main focus. Of course, this Gamora is a Variant of the original who doesn't know any of her teammates, so we can probably expect a very different dynamic.
Saldana and Gillan will be joined by the returning Pom Klementieff (Mantis), Dave Bautista (Drax), Chris Pratt (Star-Lord), Sean Gunn (Rocket/Kraglin), and Sylvester Stallone as Stakar Ogord/Starhawk, with Will Poulter on board as Adam Warlock and Peacemaker actor Chukwudi Iwuji in an undisclosed role.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is set to hit theaters on May 23, 2023.