The Guardians of the Galaxy are one of the most beloved superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This group of unlikely superheroes wowed audiences with their crazy dancing moves and catchy ’70s music when they made their big-screen debut in 2014.
With each MCU appearance, the Guardians have grown and evolved from their original cast, which included Vin Diesel’s Groot, Zoe Saldaña’s Gamora, Dave Bautista’s Drax the Destroyer, Bradley Cooper’s Rocket Raccoon, and Chris Pratt’s Peter Quill, now known as Star-Lord.
At the time of their ninth appearance in 2023’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” the cast additionally included Cosmo (Maria Bakalova), a Russian Telekinetic space dog; Mantis (Pom Klementieff); Nebula (Karen Gillan); and Kraglin (Sean Gunn).
They resurfaced with James Gunn’s characteristic flare. The writer-director, however, had a very clear sense of where he wanted the Guardians to go and when he wanted their squad to end because he had fashioned them from the beginning.
For Gunn, it was pretty clear that “Vol. 3” would be their last song. However, there are other factors at play, and the movie ends on a hopeful note. It is not surprise that viewers are requesting more Guardians movies, as all of them survived, albeit in different ways.
There is definitely room for another Guardians adventure of some sort in the ever-expanding MCU. Let’s analyze the possibility that “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4” will ever be released and look at what has been said about the franchise so far.
Why Has Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4 Not Been Released Yet?
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” undoubtedly marked the end of an era based on the statements made by the cast and crew. Particularly when James Gunn himself attested to it. “This is the end for us… [Vol. 3 is] the last time people will see this team of Guardians,” he stated during an interview with Deadline’s Hero Nation podcast.
Therefore, the film became a sentimental and nostalgic homage to this team, which has been a part of the MCU for almost ten years, while still telling a new tale and introducing new characters. For the actors, it was a farewell. Chris Pratt talked about how this movie felt like the right ending to their trilogy in an exclusive conversation with GamesRadar+.
“I really love the idea that 10 years have passed since the first film and fans will have grown up watching these movies … [so] they’ve matured alongside the franchise in a way,” he said. “This is an emotional send-off that feels like it’s specifically made for them,” Pratt said.
The interview in which Pratt made this claim, however, was published before to the film’s premiere, and a post-credits scene confirmed his return to the MCU. Numerous more Guardians are also prepared to be called up to hero duty.
With only a few months having passed since the premiere of the most recent superhero series, and six years separating “Vol. 2” from “Vol. 3,” it may still be some time before they embark on another galactic adventure.
Do Pom Klementieff and Karen Gillan Have a Place in the MCU?
Gillan and Pom Klementieff have not ruled out returning to the MCU, unlike Zoe Saldaña and Dave Bautista. However, they are unsure of the franchise’s current status and whether it is on the right track. Following the conclusion of filming for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” in 2022, Karen Gillan posted a heartfelt homage to her character Nebula on Instagram.
However, her post made it apparent that her future in the MCU is uncertain. Gillan added, “I don’t know if Nebula will return beyond this, it’s possible that this is her final chapter,” before expressing gratitude to James Gunn.
“This investigation has been more enjoyable for me than any other character I’ve portrayed. That decade was incredible. “Thank you for viewing,” she said.
Klementieff has also admitted that it would be different moving forward, but she hasn’t completely ruled out a return to the MCU like Bautista or Saldaña did. When she told The Hollywood Reporter, “I can’t imagine playing Mantis with someone else writing the words,” she declared.
“Vol. 3” left Nebula establishing herself on Knowhere, while Klementieff’s Mantis has expanded her horizons with the three Abilisk creatures she made friends with. Having her go back to Knowhere to rejoin the two would undoubtedly be simple enough, or she might see her brother Star-Lord instead. Their remarks, however, imply that they have not yet been contacted regarding a potential “Guardians” project.
Who Might Be Cast in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4?
For some of the actors, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” marked the end of their careers, but it also opened the door for a new group of Guardians to carry on their tradition. The original Guardians Rocket and Groot are part of that new squad, which is introduced in the mid-credits sequence. Kraglin and Cosmo join them, along with Phyla-Vell (Kai Zen) and Adam Warlock (Will Poulter).
First introduced in “Vol. 2,” Poulter’s character was created by the Sovereign High Priestess Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki) to murder the Guardians. He was then freshly hatched from his cocoon before the movie began. “He is undoubtedly a bad man who lacks a solid understanding of life.
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Before making his MCU debut, Poulter teased Empire, “He’s basically a baby.” But throughout the movie, Adam totally changes from villain to hero (with the aid of his pet Blurp), which makes him an ideal addition to the Guardians’ ranks.
The 2023 film also marks the debut of Phyla, played by Kai Zen. Even though Phyla was made as a weapon by the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji), she betrays him and aids the Guardians in freeing the children who are imprisoned on his ship.
Rocket obviously enlists Phyla for the squad after seeing her struggle to protect the cosmos, even though not much is known about her because her function in the MCU differs greatly from her comic book beginnings.
When Will the Fourth Volume of Guardians of the Galaxy Be Released?
James Gunn’s remarks appear to have been accurate, as “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” marks the final appearance of the Guardians as a group. However, that in no way implies that the franchise has given up. Chris Pratt’s reported comeback to the MCU may lead to more celebrities doing the same, or more likely, Rocket’s team will reimagine the franchise.
You should be aware that this is unlikely to occur anytime soon. We wouldn’t see “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4” before the summer of 2027, when “Avengers: Secret Wars” is scheduled to be released, because it wasn’t revealed as part of Phase 6. Unless Marvel already has anything planned and intends to slip it in, which is improbable, that is.
It would also be challenging to get the actors together to shoot something so soon after “Vol. 3”. However, if Pratt is involved in “Vol. 4” and it happens, production might not start until 2024 because he is currently working on “The Electric State” and other projects.
Similarly, Vin Diesel, Maria Baklava, and Bradley Cooper are all committed to pre-production projects that will keep them busy for some time to come.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4” is still alive even though there is nothing planned for the MCU’s next slate. After all, the galaxy still needs its Guardians, so we might see these heroes again.