Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Movie Review & Comments

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"Guardians 3" redirects here. For the character known as Guardian III, seeMal Duncan

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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3(stylized asGuardians of the Galaxy Volume 3) is a 2023 Americansuperhero filmbased on theMarvel Comicssuperhero teamGuardians of the Galaxy, produced byMarvel Studios, and distributed byWalt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is the final installment in theGuardians of the Galaxyfilm trilogy, the sequel toGuardians of the Galaxy(2014) andGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2(2017), andthe 32nd filmin theMarvel Cinematic Universe(MCU). It was written and directed byJames Gunn, and features anensemble castincludingChris Pratt,Zoe Saldaña,Dave Bautista,Karen Gillan,Pom Klementieff,Vin Diesel,Bradley Cooper,Will Poulter,Sean Gunn,Chukwudi Iwuji,Linda Cardellini,Nathan Fillion, andSylvester Stallone. In the film, the Guardians embark on a mission to protectRocket(Cooper) from theHigh Evolutionary(Iwuji).

Gunn said in November 2014 that he had initial ideas for a third film, and announced his return to write and direct in April 2017. Disney fired him from the film in July 2018 following the resurfacing of controversial posts onTwitter, but the studio reversed course by that October and reinstated him. Gunn's return was publicly revealed in March 2019, with production resuming after Gunn completed work on his filmThe Suicide Squad(2021) and the first season of its spin-off seriesPeacemaker(2022). Filming began in November 2021 atTrilith StudiosinAtlanta, Georgia, and lasted until May 2022.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3premiered atDisneyland Parison April 22, 2023, and was released in the United States on May 5, 2023, as part ofPhase Fiveof the MCU. It received positive reviews and has grossed over $528 million worldwide, becoming thefourth-highest-grossing film of 2023.

PlotEdit

At their new headquarters onKnowhere,[a]theGuardians of the Galaxyare attacked byAdam Warlock, aSovereignwarrior created by their high priestessAyesha.After Adam overpowers them and critically woundsRocket, he is stabbed byNebulaand forced to flee. The Guardians are unable to tend to Rocket's wounds due to akill switch, made by the company Orgocorp, embedded in him. They travel to Orgocorp's headquarters to find the override code.

As Rocket lies unconscious, he recalls his past. As a babyraccoon, he was experimented on by theHigh Evolutionary, a scientist who sought to enhance andanthropomorphizeanimal lifeforms to create aCounter-Earth. Rocket befriended the High Evolutionary's other test subjects: theotterLylla, thewalrusTeefs, and therabbitFloor. The High Evolutionary was impressed by Rocket's intelligence but furious that it exceeded his own. The High Evolutionary perfected his experiments with Rocket's advice but ordered Rocket's brain to be extracted and his friends incinerated. Rocket freed Lylla, only for the High Evolutionary to kill her. Rocket mauled the High Evolutionary and shot his guards, but Teefs and Floor were killed in the chaos. Alone, Rocket stole a spaceship and fled.

In the present, the alternate version ofGamora,[c]who has joined theRavagers, helps the Guardians infiltrate Orgocorp. They retrieve Rocket's file but discover that the code has been removed. The group speculates that Theel, one of the High Evolutionary's advisors, has it, so they depart for Counter-Earth. They are followed by Ayesha and Adam, who are ordered by their creator, the High Evolutionary, to retrieve Rocket for his brain.

Upon arriving, the team is helped by residents in tracing Theel to the High Evolutionary's ship.DraxandMantisremain with Gamora and Rocket asPeter Quill,Groot, and Nebula travel to the High Evolutionary's ship. Nebula is forced to wait outside by guards as Quill and Groot board. Drax and Mantis pursue Quill's group.

The High Evolutionary initiates his destruction and planned recreation of Counter-Earth, which kills all life on the planet, including Ayesha. As his ship enters orbit, Quill and Groot leap off and kill Theel, retrieving the code from him. Gamora arrives with their ship to rescue them, while Nebula, Mantis, and Drax board the High Evolutionary's ship to escape the planet. As Quill's group attempts to access the code, Rocketflatlinesand has anear-death experience, where he reunites with Lylla, Teefs, and Floor. Lylla tells him that his time has not yet come as Quill uses the code to disable the kill switch and save Rocket's life.

Nebula, Mantis, and Drax come across hundreds of imprisoned humanoid children on the High Evolutionary's ship before being captured. Quill's group sets out to rescue the three, who are placed in a chamber with monstrous Abilisks. Mantis befriends the Abilisks, allowing the group to escape and reunite with Quill's group, together overpowering the High Evolutionary's army.KraglinandCosmoarrive on Knowhere, and Cosmo creates atelekinetictunnel connecting Knowhere to the High Evolutionary's ship to free the captured children. Rocket discovers imprisoned animals on the ship before being attacked by the High Evolutionary, but the rest of the Guardians help subdue him, leaving him to perish on his ship. The Guardians rescue the animals and lead them aboard Knowhere. Quill nearly dies trying to cross over but is saved by Adam, who had a change of heart after being saved by Groot.

In the aftermath, Quill leaves the Guardians, bestowing the captaincy to Rocket before leaving for Earth to reunite with his grandfather Jason. Mantis embarks on a journey of self-discovery with the Abilisks, Gamora reunites with the Ravagers, and Nebula and Drax remain on Knowhere to raise the rescued children.

In amid-credits scene, the new Guardians, consisting of Rocket, Groot, Cosmo, Kraglin, Adam,Phyla(one of the rescued children), and Adam's pet Blurp, take on a new mission. In a post-credits scene, Quill eats breakfast with Jason.

CastEdit

Chris PrattasPeter Quill / Star-Lord:

The half-human, half-Celestialleader of theGuardians of the Galaxywho was abducted from Earth as a child and raised by a group of alien thieves and smugglers; theRavagers.[5]In the film, Quill is in a "state of depression" following the appearance of a variant of his dead loverGamora, who does not share the same affection for Quill as her older version had for him, which in turn affects his leadership of the Guardians.[6]

Zoe SaldañaasGamora:

An orphan who seeks redemption for her past crimes, and was adopted and trained byThanosto be his personal assassin.[5]The original version of Gamora, a member of the Guardians, was killed by Thanos inAvengers: Infinity War(2018), and an alternate version of the character traveled to the present inAvengers: Endgame(2019); Saldaña reprises the latter role in this film,[7][8]now serving as a leader of the Ravagers.[9]Saldaña stated thatVol. 3would be the final time she would portray Gamora, noting that she originally signed to play her in one film and ended up playing the role for much longer, a role she was grateful to play due to the impact it especially had on female fans.[10]

Dave BautistaasDrax:

A member of the Guardians and a highly skilled warrior whose family was slaughtered byRonan the Accuser, under the instructions of Thanos.[5]Bautista stated thatVol. 3would be the final time he would portray Drax, having been grateful for the role, while still calling it a "relief" to have concluded his time with the character, given the long hours needed to get into makeup and hoping to pursue more dramatic acting roles.[11]

Karen GillanasNebula:

A member of the Guardians, a formerAvenger, and Gamora's adoptive sister who, similarly to her, was trained by their adoptive father Thanos to be his personal assassin.[12]Gillan believed Nebula was developing into a "slightly different person" with more levity as she starts to heal psychologically following the death of Thanos, who was the source of her abuse and torment.[13]Vol. 3fulfills acharacter arcfor the character writer and directorJames Gunnenvisioned when starting work onGuardians of the Galaxy(2014), going from a minor villain to a member of the Guardians.[14]

Pom KlementieffasMantis: A member of the Guardians withempathicpowers, and Quill's half-sister.[15]

Vin DieselasGroot: A member of the Guardians who is a tree-like humanoid and the accomplice of Rocket.[5]

Bradley CooperasRocket:

A member of the Guardians and a former Avenger who is a genetically engineeredraccoon-based bounty hunter and a master of weapons andmilitary tactics.[5]Gunn said that the film tells Rocket's story, including his background and "where he's going", along with how that ties into the other Guardians and the end of this iteration of the team.[16]The film completes a character arc that was established inGuardians of the GalaxyandGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2(2017), and continued inInfinity WarandEndgame.[17]Sean Gunnonce again provided on set motion capture for the character, while also voicing young Rocket.[18]Cooper also voiced adolescent Rocket while Noah Raskin voiced baby Rocket.[19]

Will PoulterasAdam Warlock:

A powerful artificial being created by the Sovereign to destroy the Guardians.[20]Given Warlock is newly born from the Sovereign's cocoon, he is "basically a baby" that "does not understand life very well".[21]Poulter believed there was "a lot of comedy" in someone just entering the world for the first time and "trying to develop his moral compass", while also having "some genuinepathos".[6]Gunn thought Warlock's interactions with the Guardians provided "an interesting juxtaposition" to what their journey has been, and described him as a more traditional superhero compared to the Guardians, although not necessarily a hero.[22]

Sean GunnasKraglin: A member of the Guardians andYondu Udonta's former second-in-command in the Ravagers.[23]

Chukwudi Iwujias theHigh Evolutionary:

A scientist specializing in creating hybrid creatures and Rocket's creator, seeking to forcibly enhance all living beings into a "special race".[24][25][6]Iwuji described the character as "narcissistic, sociopathic, but very charming", adding that there was "something veryShakespeareanabout him, there's something very emotionally dark about him, and he's a lot of fun on top of all that".[26]In preparation for the role, Iwuji listened to his character's taste forclassical musicin contrast to theAmerican rockandpop musicsongs played in the film, allowing Iwuji to go back to his favoriteariasandoperas, likeWolfgang Amadeus Mozart'sThe Marriage of Figaro(1786) andDon Giovanni(1787).[27]Gunn likened the High Evolutionary to "a space version" ofDoctor MoreaufromIsland of Lost Souls(1932), a film Gunn is a big fan of, calling him "a detestable character".[6]When asked byRachel LindsayofExtraabout the character, Gunn referred to the High Evolutionary as the "cruelest MCU villain" to date the franchise has ever seen due to how he negatively impacts on the lives of Rocket and his fellow subject friends,[28]while Iwuji made sure along with Gunn to avoid giving the Evolutionary, at least intentionally, any sympathy unlike previous villains like Thanos orKillmonger, focusing under Gunn's orders on commenting in the character's single mindedness, narcissistic and zealous personality like the "most horrific" figures in history have been shown to be.[29]

Linda CardelliniasLylla: An anthropomorphicotterwho is an associate and friend of Rocket.[30]Cardellini provided both the voice and motion capture for Lylla, having previously playedLaura Bartonin previous MCU media.[31][32]

Nathan Fillionas Master Karja: An orgosentry at Orgocorp.[33][34]

Sylvester StalloneasStakar Ogord: A high-ranking Ravager.[35]

Reprising their respective roles from previousGuardiansfilms and/orThe Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special(2022) areElizabeth DebickiasAyesha, the golden High Priestess and the leader of the Sovereign people who had Adam Warlock created to destroy the Guardians;[36]Michael RosenbaumasMartinex, a high-ranking Ravager;[37]Christopher Fairbankas the Broker;[38]Stephen BlackehartandRhett Milleras Steemie and Bzermikitokolok, two denizens of Knowhere;[39][38][40]Gregg Henryas Quill's grandfather Jason;[41]Karen Abercrombie as Grandma Quill; andMichael RookerasYondu Udonta.[38]Maria Bakalovareprises her voice and motion capture role from theHoliday SpecialasCosmo,[42][43]a member of the Guardians who is a sapient dog that developedpsionicabilities after being sent into space by theSoviet Union.[44]Gunn changed Cosmo's gender from male, as depicted in the comics, to female for the film, as a tribute to the character's original inspirationLaika, a Soviet space dog who became one of the firstanimals in space.[45]Cosmo was physically portrayed bydog actorSlate,[43]after also doing so for theHoliday Special,[46]and was previously portrayed by dog actor Fred in the first twoGuardiansfilms.[47][48]Tara Strong(who voicedMiss Minutesin theDisney+seriesLoki) voicesMainframe, who was previously voiced byMiley CyrusinVol. 2.[49][50]

Asim Chaudhryvoices Teefs, an anthropomorphicwalrus;Mikaela Hoover(who played Nova Prime's assistant in the first film) voices Floor, an anthropomorphicrabbit;[32]Daniela Melchiorappears as Ura,[36][51]the receptionist at Orgocorp;[38]Miriam ShorandNico Santosappear as Recorder Vim and Recorder Theel respectively,[52]the scientifically minded henchmen of the High Evolutionary;[53]Jennifer Hollandappears as Administrator Kwol,[54]a security employee of Orgocorp;[38]Kai Zenappears asPhyla, one of the High Evolutionary's alien child prisoners;[55]Judy Greer(who played Maggie Lang in the first twoAnt-Manfilms) voices War Pig, a cyborgpigworking for the High Evolutionary;[56]Reinaldo Faberlle voices Behemoth, a cyborgbirdwho also works for the High Evolutionary;[57]Natalia Safran appears as The Controller, a hybrid who controls the High Evolutionary’s ship;Dee Bradley Bakervoices Blurp,[58]a furry F'saki that is an unnamed Ravager's pet;[59][60]andDane DiLiegroappears as Unsavoury Octopus, anoctopusdrug dealer on Counter-Earth.[61][62]Cameosin the film includeLloyd Kaufmanas the voices of Gridlemop,Pete Davidsonas Phlektik, creations of the High Evolutionary,[63][64]and writer and directorJames Gunnas the voice of Lambshank, an experiment of the High Evolutionary.[65]

ProductionEdit

DevelopmentEdit

Initial workEdit

Guardians of the Galaxy(2014) writer and directorJames Gunnstated in November 2014 that, in addition to having the "basic story" forGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2(2017) while working on the first film, he also had ideas for a potential third film.[66]Despite this, he was unsure in June 2015 if he would be involved with a thirdGuardiansfilm, saying that it would depend on how he felt after makingVol. 2.[67]In April 2016,Marvel StudiospresidentKevin Feige, the producer of theGuardiansfilms, said a third film was planned for the franchise as part of theMarvel Cinematic Universe(MCU) in "2020 and beyond".[68]In March 2017, Gunn said there would be a third film "for sure. We're trying to figure it out",[69]soon adding that there were no specific plans for the film yet, but that Marvel would want to make it "unless something goes horribly—which is always possible, you never know".[70]He also reiterated that he had not decided whether he would be directing the film, and that he was going to figure out his involvement and his next project "over the next couple of weeks".[69]Part of Gunn's reluctance to return to the franchise came from not wanting to work on it withoutMichael Rooker, whose character from the first two films,Yondu Udonta, died at the end ofVol. 2.[71]

"In the end, my love forRocket,Groot,Gamora,Star-Lord,Yondu,Mantis,Drax, andNebula—and some of the other forthcoming heroes—goes deeper than you guys can possibly imagine, and I feel they have more adventures to go on and things to learn about themselves and the wonderful and sometimes terrifying universe we all inhabit."

—James Gunn, writer and director ofGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, on his decision to return for the film[72]

Gunn announced in April 2017 that he would return to write and directGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. He said the film would be set afterAvengers: Infinity War(2018) andAvengers: Endgame(2019), and would "conclude the story of this iteration of theGuardians of the Galaxy, and help catapult both old and new Marvel characters into the next ten years and beyond".[72]He also felt that the threeGuardiansfilms would "work together as a whole", telling one story,[73]with the third film "tying a lot of stuff together" from the first two and giving "a lot of answers on a lot of different things".[74]Gunn also planned to work with Marvel on the future of the "Marvel Cosmic Universe".[72]He was set to begin work onVol. 3shortly after completing his work as executive producer and consultant onInfinity War.[75]On returning for the third film, Gunn said, "I wouldn't have said yes if I didn't have a fairly clear idea of where we were going and what we were going to do. I'm not a guy that's just going to do it if I don't have a vision for it".[73]

After originally includingAdam Warlockin his script treatment forVol. 2, Gunn and Feige noted the importance of the character on the cosmic side of the MCU and hinted that he would make an appearance inVol. 3.[76]In May 2017, after the release ofVol. 2, Gunn said he would be creating the third film "over the next three years",[77]and confirmed thatPom Klementieffwould reprise her role asMantis.[78][15]He also intended to haveElizabeth Debickireprise her role asAyesha.[79]By mid-June, Gunn had completed the first draft of his script treatment for the third film, and was considering changing a piece of character info he had placed in the background of the mugshot sequence in the first film (when the Guardians are captured by theNova Corps).[80]In September, Gunn reiterated thatVol. 3would be released "in a little under three years",[81]as the film had privately been set for release on May 1, 2020.[82]At the end of February 2018, Gunn planned to meet withMark Hamillabout possibly appearing in the film.[83]In April,Chris Prattwas set to reprise his role asPeter Quill / Star-Lord,[84][15]and the following month,Dave Bautistaconfirmed that he would reprise his role asDrax the Destroyer.[85]Marvel received the completed first draft of the screenplay from Gunn by the end of June, ahead of the beginning of official pre-production on the film.[86]

Firing of James GunnEdit

On July 20, 2018, Disney and Marvel severed ties with Gunn. This came after conservative commentators began circulating old tweets he had made regarding controversial topics such as rape and pedophilia, and called for his firing.[87][88]The Walt Disney StudioschairmanAlan F. Hornstated, "The offensive attitudes and statements discovered on James' Twitter feed are indefensible and inconsistent with our studio's values, and we have severed our business relationship with him".[87]While not part of the decision to fire Gunn,the Walt Disney CompanyCEOBob Igersupported the "unanimous decision" from the various executives at Marvel and Walt Disney Studios.[89]In response, Gunn said in a series of tweets that when he started his career he was "making movies and telling jokes that were outrageous and taboo" but felt as he has "developed as a person, so has my work and my humor". He continued, "It's not to say I'm better, but I am very, very different than I was a few years ago; today I try to root my work in love and connection and less in anger. My days saying something just because it's shocking and trying to get a reaction are over". In a separate statement, Gunn said the tweets at the time were "totally failed and unfortunate efforts to be provocative", adding "I understand and accept the business decisions taken today. Even these many years later, I take full responsibility for the way I conducted myself then".[87]

James Gunn, writer and director ofGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

In response to the firing, many of theGuardianscast members tweeted support for Gunn. Rooker decided to leave Twitter,[90][91]while fans signed an online petition asking for Gunn to be reinstated which received over 300,000 signatures.[92]The firing also garnered reaction from other Hollywood personalities, such as actressSelma Blairand comedianBobcat Goldthwait,[91]and inspiredopinion pieceson the firing and how it would affect Hollywood fromKareem Abdul-Jabbar,[93]and news organizations such asThe Hollywood Reporter,[94]Variety,[95]Deadline Hollywood,[96]andForbes.[97]On July 30, the cast of theGuardians of the Galaxyfilms, including Pratt,Zoe Saldaña, Bautista,Bradley Cooper,Vin Diesel,Sean Gunn, Klementieff, Rooker, andKaren Gillan, issued a statement in support of James Gunn, saying, "We fully support James Gunn. We were all shocked by his abrupt firing last week and have intentionally waited these ten days to respond in order to think, pray, listen, and discuss. In that time, we've been encouraged by the outpouring of support from fans and members of the media who wish to see James reinstated as director ofVolume 3as well as discouraged by those so easily duped into believing the many outlandish conspiracy theories surrounding him".[92]Despite this and the notable "vociferous support" Gunn received,Varietyreported that Disney was not planning to rehire him as the jokes were "unacceptable in the#MeToo eraand are not in line with Disney's family-friendly image".Varietycontinued that, despite rumors of Gunn being replaced by established Marvel directors such asJon Favreau,Taika Waititi, or theRusso brothers, Marvel had yet to meet with any other director, and would most likely hire someone new.[98]In early August, Bautista said that he would fulfill his contract and appear in the film as long as Marvel chose to use Gunn's existing script.[99]

Disney and Marvel still wanted to "move forward quickly" on the film,[100]and were soon confirmed to be keeping Gunn's script. This, combined with the fact that Gunn did not breach his contract since the tweets were written years before he signed on to the film, had led to "complicated negotiations" between Gunn and Disney over his exit settlement. Gunn was expected to be paid $7–10 million or more, and there was some hope that the negotiations could lead to him eventually returning in some capacity, "even if [it was] to develop and direct another Marvel movie". Gunn would be free to move on to new projects following the settlement, and other major studios were interested in hiring him includingWarner Bros.for their rival superhero franchise, theDC Extended Universe(DCEU).[101]During this time, executives at Marvel Studios began "back channel conversations" with Disney in an attempt to find a compromise that could lead to Gunn returning to the film in some way. This "eleventh hour" effort from Marvel was inspired by the statements from the film's cast.[100]In mid-August, Gunn met with Horn following a strong push from Gunn's talent agency for him to be given a second chance. Despite this and the reported "civil and professional" nature of the meeting, Horn only took it as a courtesy and used it to reaffirm Disney's decision to fire Gunn.[102]

Later in August, the small crew that was preparing for pre-production were dismissed as production of the film was postponed so Marvel and Disney could find a director to replace Gunn.[103]Pre-production was to have begun by the end of 2018, withprincipal photographyset for January or February 2019.[104][103]At this time, Bautista was unsure if he would return for the film, as he did not know if he would "want to work for Disney" given how they handled the firing of Gunn.[105]In late September, James Gunn's brother Sean, who playedKraglin Obfonteriand provided motion capture forRocketin the previousGuardiansfilms, reiterated that Disney still intended on making the film with James' script, but had not revealed to the cast when production may continue. Sean added that he had been preparing to reprise his roles for the third film before his brother's firing.[23]At the end of the month, Cooper was asked if he would consider directingVol. 3after the success of his directorial debutA Star Is Born(2018), but said that he "could never imagine" directing a film that he did not write.[106]By mid-October, James Gunn had completed his exit settlement with Disney and was set to write and potentially directThe Suicide Squad(2021) for Warner Bros.[107]

Rehiring GunnEdit

The day after Gunn joinedThe Suicide Squadin mid-October 2018, he was privately notified by Horn that he could return as director forVol. 3. This came after further meetings between the studios and Gunn. Horn had changed his mind after being impressed by Gunn's response to the situation.[108][109]Gunn discussed his commitments toThe Suicide Squadwith Feige,[108]and production onVol. 3was put on hold until February 2021 to allow Gunn to completeThe Suicide Squadfirst.[109][110][111]In December, after working with Marvel Studios on the script forAnt-Man(2015),Adam McKaysaid he was willing to work with the studio again and stated that he had discussed taking over as director forVol. 3with Feige, among other projects.[112]In early 2019, Feige and Pratt reiterated that Marvel would still makeVol. 3,[113][114]and in March 2019, Gunn was publicly revealed to have been rehired as director of the film.Deadline Hollywoodstated that Marvel Studios had "never met with or considered any other director" for the film.[109]By the end of April, the franchise's five main stars—Pratt, Saldaña, Bautista, Cooper, and Diesel—were all expected to return for the sequel, with filming to take place in 2020.[5]

Discussing his firing and re-hiring in May 2019, Gunn said that of all the elements of the film that he had been sad to leave when he was fired, the most meaningful to him was the character of Rocket. Gunn personally identifies with Rocket, describing himself and the character as "the same".[17]He had actually grown to love the character since working on the first film due to feeling that anorigin storyfor Rocket could justify what aBugs Bunny-like "goofy character" like him could exist in the MCU if it were the saddest one in the universe, crediting it as the "seed" of the trilogy. WhileVol. 3effectively reveals Rocket's backstory throughflashbacksakin to those from the story structure ofThe Godfather Part II(1974), Gunn initially considered to tell Rocket's origins in a team-up movie between him andGrootwithout the other Guardians, but ultimately felt that he had to conclude Peter Quill's story first and then focus on Rocket in a third Guardians-centric film.[115]That month, Gillan confirmed that she was returning for the sequel and expressed excitement for Gunn's return to the franchise.[12]In June, Saldaña was asked about her role in the film after her characterGamorawas killed inInfinity War, and she returned to play a younger version inEndgamewho travels through time to the present. Saldaña said that Gamora's fate would depend on the plans that Marvel and Gunn have forVol. 3, but that she would like to see Gamora rejoin the Guardians and also be portrayed as "the most lethal woman in the galaxy" as she has been referred to previously.[7]Gunn was asked in October if he was unhappy about Marvel's decision to kill Gamora inInfinity Warand said he was not, adding that he had discussed the storyline with the studio beforehand.[116]According toInfinity WarandEndgamescreenwritersChristopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, Gamora was brought back inEndgamespecifically so that Gunn could include her inVol. 3,[8]so Gunn found no complications over writing hercharacter arcinVol 3.due to having been told in advance.[117]In December, Gunn was asked if he would have Yondu return in the film and said as long as he was involved with theGuardianscharacters, he would not have the character be resurrected. Gunn felt the stakes of a character's death were important and said characters who die in his films would likely remain dead.[118]Gunn said in February 2020 that bringing Yondu back to life would "nullify Yondu's sacrifice" inVol. 2, and said the character would not return unless it was for a prequel or flashback;[119]Gunn later said Yondu would not be resurrected in the film to not diminish his death's meaning.[120]In April, Gunn said theCOVID-19 pandemicwould not affect production plans for the film at that time,[121]saying the next month that the film would be released "a little after 2021".[82]

In August 2020, Gunn turned in a new draft of the film's script and began writing a spin-off television series fromThe Suicide SquadtitledPeacemaker(2022).[122]A month later, he was planning to begin work onVol. 3in 2021 after completing that film and series.[123]He confirmed in November that the script forVol. 3was finished,[124]and said that very little had changed from his initial ideas despite the production setbacks.[125]The film was given a 2023 release date a month later,[126]with filming set to begin in late 2021.[127][125]Shortly after, it was revealed to also be set afterThe Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special(2022).[128]

Pre-productionEdit

Pre-production work creating the designs and visuals for the film began by April 2021.[129]In early May, Marvel Studios announced that the film would be released on May 5, 2023.[130]Later that month, Gunn saidVol. 3would take place after the events ofThor: Love and Thunder(2022), which features severalGuardianscharacters.[131]That film concludes the storyline established inEndgamewhich seesThorjourney off with the Guardians. Gunn noted this ending was decided upon "in editing" and conflicted with his already-submitted screenplay forVol. 3, since he never planned to feature Thor in the film.[132]Gunn had begun storyboarding the film by June,[133]with filming later revealed to begin in November 2021 inAtlanta, Georgiafor an expected end around April 2022.[134][135][136]By then, Bautista said he had not read a script forVol. 3and was unsure if it had changed during the production delays.[134]The next month, Gillan said that she and Klementieff had read the script together and she found it to be incredible, brilliant, emotional and funny. She also felt it was Gunn's "strongest work yet" with the Guardians characters.[137]Gunn reiterated that the script had "basically stayed the same" from three years prior but he had been "playing with it in little ways" over the years. He was in the middle of another draft by the end of the month and said the film would be emotional and have a "heavier" story than the previous films,[136][138]with a more grounded approach that was inspired byThe Suicide SquadandPeacemaker.[139]An early option Gunn had in mind for the character who would become the film's main villain and be revealed to be the one who created Rocket was theFantastic FourvillainAnnihilus, but Gunn ultimately opted to fill that role with theHigh Evolutionary.[140]Gunn originally wrote acameo appearanceforKumail Nanjiani, a friend of his, but removed this after learning Nanjiani was cast asKingoin Marvel Studios'Eternals(2021).[141]

By late August, Gunn and Marvel Studios began meeting with actors for the role of Adam Warlock, includingWill Poulter.George MacKaywas also on the shortlist andRegé-Jean Pagewas considered for the part.[20][142]Poulter auditioned for the role overZoombefore an in-personscreen testwith Gunn in Atlanta.[143]When first auditioning for Warlock, Poulter was unaware of who his character's name was other than he had been teased at thepost-credits sceneofVol. 2, but Marvel just described the role to him as "an untitled character" until Poulter was "drip-fed" with more information over and over until discovering how steepedAdam Warlockis in the source material.[144]In September, Gillan reiterated her positive comments about the script and said the film would explore the characters from the previousGuardiansfilms on a deeper level,[145]whileSeth Green, who voicesHoward the Duckin the MCU, said the film would be about Gamora and Nebula's story. He did not know at that time if Howard would appear after doing so in the previousGuardiansfilms.[146]Poulter was cast as Adam Warlock in October,[20][142]and Gunn said "dozens of roles" had already been cast.[147]Poulter was chosen for the part because of his dramatic and comedic abilities and because Gunn "wanted somebody who was youthful" and would fit with Marvel Studios' future plans for the character.[21]Casting also took place for various background roles, including aliens and security guards.[148][149]Pratt began rehearsals and camera tests later that month,[150]and a production meeting was held in early November, shortly before the start of filming. Gunn also reiterated his comments on not resurrecting Yondu in the film.[151]

FilmingEdit

Principal photographybegan on November 8, 2021,[152]atTrilith Studiosin Atlanta, Georgia,[153][149]under theworking titleHot Christmas.[111]Henry Brahamserves as cinematographer, after doing so forVol. 2andThe Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.[154]Filming was previously scheduled to begin in January or February 2019 prior to Gunn's firing,[104][103]and then in February 2021,[111]before Gunn began work onPeacemaker.[123]With the start of filming,Sylvester Stallonerevealed that he would return asStakar OgordfromVol. 2,[35]and Gunn posted a photo of the main cast members which revealed thatChukwudi Iwujiwas part of the film following his collaboration with Gunn onPeacemaker.[152][155]Iwuji's screen test for the film was shot on the set ofPeacemakerwith that series' crew, and Marvel repaid this favor by letting Gunn use theVol. 3set and crew to filmEzra Miller's cameo appearance asBarry Allen / The Flashfor thePeacemakerseason finale.[139]

Production designer Beth Mickle said Gunn chose to mainly use practical effects forVol. 3after they did so with their work onThe Suicide Squad.[156]In February 2021, Gunn stated the film would be shot usingIndustrial Light & Magic'sStageCraftvirtual production technology that was developed for theDisney+Star WarsseriesThe Mandalorian,[157]but in October, he said they would not be able to use the technology because the sets were too big,[158]believing they were larger than the sets used onThe Suicide Squad.[159]The interior of the Guardians' new ship, theBowie, was a four-story set.[160]Judianna Makovskyserves as costume designer.[161]The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Specialwas filmed at the same time asVol. 3,[162][14]from February to late April 2022,[163][164]with the same main cast and sets.[128][138][160]Gunn enjoyed being able to switch to filming the special after doing scenes forVol. 3, given the tonal difference between the two withVol. 3being more "emotional",[165]feeling it helped provide a "relief" to the actors as well,[14]and called theHoliday Specialshoot easier thanVol. 3.[160]In February 2022, Callie Brand was revealed to appear in the film as an alien.[60]Shooting was also expected to occur inLondon, England, in late 2021.[166]Vol. 3is the first MCU film to feature the word "fuck" uncensored; it is spoken by Quill. The dialogue was not scripted, but improvised by Pratt on Gunn's suggestion,[167][168]though there was some consideration over giving theone-linerto Groot instead.[169]Filmingwrappedon May 6, 2022.[170]

Post-productionEdit

In early June 2022,Daniela Melchiorwas revealed to have a small role in the film, after previously starring inThe Suicide Squad. Debicki was also confirmed to be reprising her role as Ayesha,[36]whileMaria BakalovaandNico Santoswere also revealed to be appearing in the film.[171][172]In July, Iwuji and Bakalova were revealed to be portraying the High Evolutionary andCosmo the Spacedog, respectively.[44]Cosmo was physically portrayed bydog actorFred in the first twoGuardiansfilms,[47][48]and Slate in theHoliday SpecialandVol. 3.[46][43]The following month,Michael Rosenbaumrevealed that he had reprised his role asMartinexfromVol. 2in the film.[37]In October 2022, it was revealed that Bakalova would portray Cosmo in theHoliday Specialahead of her role inVol. 3.[173]In February 2023,Asim Chaudhryrevealed he would appear in the film in an undisclosed role.[174]In April 2023,Linda Cardelliniwas revealed to be voicingLylla; she previously appeared in multiple MCU projects asLaura Barton, and starred asVelma Dinkleyin the Gunn-written filmsScooby-Doo(2002) andScooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed(2004), as well as a cameo in the Gunn-written and directedSuper(2010).[32]Two days of reshoots occurred.[18]In late April,Tara Strongrevealed that she was cast in an undisclosed role.[49]Strong was later revealed to have been cast as Mainframe, replacingMiley CyrusfromVol. 2due to Cyrus' unavailability.[175]

The visual effects were provided byFramestore,Weta FX,Sony Pictures ImageWorks,Industrial Light & Magic,Rodeo FX,Rise FX, Crafty Apes, BUF,Lola VFX,Perception, and Compuhire.[176]Stephane Cerettireturns from the first film to serve as the visual effects supervisor,[177]whileFred Raskinreturns from the first two films to serve as the editor,[178]alongside Greg D'Auria, who returns from theHoliday Special.[179]

MusicEdit

In April 2017, Gunn felt the music for the film would be different from what was used for the first two films' soundtracks,Awesome Mix Vol. 1andVol. 2.[73]The next month, he added that he was "panicking" about the soundtrack and had to make some "pretty specific choices" shortly due to the wider range of available music for the story,[180]By early July 2017, Gunn had narrowed down his choices for potential songs to 181, but noted that this list could grow again.[181]All of the songs for the film had been selected by the following month;[182]the songs are not modern and come from Quill'sZunethat he received at the end ofVol. 2,[183]although Gunn added that the soundtrack was not limited to 1970s pop songs compared to the first two films,[22]instead spanning multiple decades.[132]Gunn was unable to use the song "Russian Roulette" byThe Lords of the New ChurchforVol. 3due to a legal battle over its ownership.[184][185]The film opens with an acoustic version of "Creep" byRadiohead, which provided "a much different tone from the beginning than the other two films".[132]

The track list forAwesome Mix Vol. 3was revealed in April 2023,[186]and was made available onSpotifyandApple Musicon April 3 as part of a largerGuardians of the Galaxy: The Official Mixtapeplaylist, which also featured the soundtracks and scores from the previous two films.[187][186]Awesome Mix Vol. 3was released byHollywood Recordson CD and digital download on May 3, 2023, a 12" 2-LP vinyl on May 5, and is set to release on cassette on July 7.[188]

In October 2021, Gunn revealed thatJohn Murphywas composing the film's score and had already recorded music to be played on set during filming.[189][190]Murphy replacesTyler Bates, who composed the score for the first two films, however Bates’ theme from the previous films were referenced; Murphy had also replaced Bates as composer ofThe Suicide Squadafter Bates left that film during production.[191]Murphy's original score for the film was released digitally on May 3, 2023.[188]

MarketingEdit

The film was discussed during Marvel Studios' panel at the 2022San Diego Comic-Con, where the first footage was revealed. Iwuji was also announced as playing the High Evolutionary, appearing at the panel in costume.[44]Gunn stated the footage was not released publicly because the visual effects were not complete enough for "repeated views and close inspection".An official trailer was released on December 1, 2022, during theCCXP.[25]It featured "In the Meantime" bySpacehog. Drew Taylor ofTheWrapcalled the trailer a doozy, thrilling, and emotional, and stated that "Gunn's patented, rollicking 'Guardians of the Galaxy' tone is very much in place", and noted "an undercurrent of extreme melancholy".[193]Carson Burton ofVarietypredicted from the trailer that the film would be "shaping up to be an emotional ending" by showing Rocket's memories and Star-Lord missing Gamora.[25]Jay Peters atThe Vergesaid the trailer intrigued him as a "wild ride across the stars" with different planets.[194]

A second trailer for the film was released duringSuper Bowl LVIIon February 12, 2023. It featured "Since You Been Gone" byRainbow.[195]Grant Hermanns ofScreen Rantfelt the trailer gave "a deeper look" at the film, particularly Adam Warlock's powers as compared to his brief appearance in the first one. Hermanns also said the second trailer "goes a step further in highlighting the emotional story" after the first one "efficiently set [the film's] tone, featuring plenty of melancholic shots of the [Guardians of the Galaxy] facing the music".[196]The trailer accumulated 134.1 million views acrossTikTok,Instagram,YouTube,Twitter, andFacebook, and was the most-watched Super Bowl trailer in post-game day traffic according to RelishMix. It was also the first time since the onset of theCOVID-19 pandemicthat a Super Bowl trailer exceeded 100 million views on social media in a 24-hour period.[197]

DisneyandMarvel Musicpartnered with themusic streaming serviceSpotifyin May 2023, to promote the film. As part of the promotion, a playlist, titled the "K-GOTG Radio Experience", was created.[198]Marvel Studiosalso promoted the film withGeneral Millslimited-edition cereals and snacks, includingHoney Nut Cheerios,Cookie Crisp,Lucky Charms,Trix,Reese's Puffs,Cinnamon Toast CrunchandGo-Gurt.[199]Microsoftalso partnered with them to promote the film for a limited-edition MP3 playerZune; a single non-functional model would be created using3D printing. This Zune would be launched inside theInternational Space Station.[200]

ReleaseEdit

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3had its world premiere atDisneyland Parison April 22, 2023,[201][202]and its North American premiere was held at theDolby TheatreinHollywood, Californiaon April 27.[203]The film was released in several countries including the United Kingdom on May 3, 2023, and in the United States on May 5.[204][205][206][207]It was previously set for release on May 1, 2020,[82]before it was dropped from that date.[208]It is part ofPhase Fiveof the MCU.[44]It was released in 3D,IMAX,Dolby Cinema,4DX, andScreenX.[209]

Disney released over 600 unique versions of the film to theaters, including a version with variableaspect ratios. 45 minutes of the film will be presented in the flat 1.85:1 aspect ratio, while the rest of the film is in the 2.39:1 letterboxed aspect ratio.[210]

ReceptionEdit

Box officeEdit

As of May 14, 2023[update],Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3has grossed $213.2 million in the United States and Canada, and $315.6 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $528.8 million.[3][4]

In the United States and Canada,Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3was projected to gross around $110 million from 4,450 theaters in its opening weekend.[211]The film made $48.2 million on its first day,[212]including $17.5 million from Thursday night previews. It went on to debut with $118.4 million, topping the box office.[213]In its second weekend,Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3retained the top spot at the box office with $60.5 million.[214][215]It was the best second-weekend hold of any sequel in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and was notably smaller than the sophomore outings of the franchise's recent releases, includingAnt-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania(70%),Thor: Love and Thunder(68%), andDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness(67%).[215][216]

Outside the US and Canada, the film grossed $168.1 million in its opening weekend. The highest-grossing territories were China ($28.1 million), the United Kingdom ($14.7 million), South Korea ($13.6 million), Mexico ($13 million), and France ($8.2 million).[217]

Critical responseEdit

Thereview aggregatorwebsiteRotten Tomatoesreported an approval rating of 82% based on 333 reviews with an average rating of 7.2/10. The site's critics consensus reads: "A galactic group hug that might squeeze a little too tight on the heartstrings, the finalGuardians of the Galaxyis a loving last hurrah for the MCU's most ragtag family."[218]OnMetacritic, the film has aweighted average scoreof 64 out of 100, based on 62 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[219]Audiences polled byCinemaScoregave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale, the same as the previous twoGuardiansfilms, whilePostTrakreported that moviegoers gave the film a 91% positive score, with 79% saying they would definitely recommend it.[213]

The Independentfound it was "the best Marvel movie in years"[220]as didVox.[221]In a mixed review forThe Guardian,Peter Bradshawstated that "Guardians of the Galaxyhas reached the threequel stage: overlong, yes, and finally reaching for an importance or emotional closure".[222]

Nicholas Barber of theBBCgave a mixed 3/5 review of the film, suggesting it "may be the most unruly and excessive of the trilogy," but added it was "sweetly touching" and opined "the film's saving grace is that, just as Gunn has been allowed to unleash his gonzo imagination, he has also been allowed to pour out his emotions."[223]

A negative review fromNPRcriticized the approach of cruelty to animals in the film[224]whileThe New York Timescalled it a "dour, visually off-putting two-and-a-half-hourA.S.P.C.A. nightmare of a film (that) may only be for completionist fans",[225]and theChicago Tribune, "the most empty, brutal MCU movie yet".[226]

PETAdeclared the thirdGuardiansto be "the best animal rights film of the year" and gave Gunn aNot a Number Awardfor his depiction of animal testing.[227]

AccoladesEdit

Cynthia Blondelle and Heather Kreamer were nominated at the 2023Guild of Music Supervisors Awardsfor Best Music Supervision in a Trailer – Film.[228]

FutureEdit

Gunn said in April 2017 that a fourthGuardiansfilm could happen, though it would likely center on a new group of characters since Gunn planned to conclude the story of the team of the previous films inVol. 3.[229]Later in September, Gunn felt that he was unlikely to return for anotherGuardiansfilm, but noted he would continue to work with Marvel Studios on other projects that use the Guardians and cosmic characters.[230]One such project from Gunn was a film centered on Drax and Mantis, which Bautista called "brilliant". However, in May 2021, Bautista stated that he had not heard any further updates regarding it, feeling Marvel Studios was not "very interested, or it doesn't fit into the way they have things mapped out".[231]Gunn confirmed in September 2019 that he intended forVol. 3to be his lastGuardiansfilm,[232]which he reaffirmed in May 2021.[233]In July 2021, Gillan expressed her desire to continue playing Nebula afterVol. 3.[234]In April 2023, Saldaña confirmed thatVol. 3would be the last time she portrays Gamora, but hoped Marvel could recast the role within "the next generation of actors able to incarnate those characters" because she wishes for the character to stay.[10]The following month, Pratt indicated his willingness to continue to play Peter Quill in the future if the right script came along;[235]the post-credits ofVol. 3revealed that the "Legendary Star-Lord" would return at some point in the future.

NotesEdit

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^Sciretta, Peter (April 20, 2017)."Exclusive: Adam Warlock Was Originally a Major Character in 'Guardians Vol. 2'; Will Be in 'Guardians 3'"./Film.Archivedfrom the original on April 21, 2017. RetrievedApril 20,2017.

^Hood, Cooper (May 6, 2017)."Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Release Date Teased".Screen Rant.Archivedfrom the original on May 7, 2017. RetrievedMay 8,2017.

^Gunn, James [@JamesGunn](May 3, 2017)."Please wish @pomin8r a happy birthday below and by following her on IG! Getting to know Pom and working with her on #gotgvol2 has been one of the highlights of the past couple years. I find her portrayal as #Mantis truly magical, and she's one of the most gifted actors I've ever worked with. I'm looking forward to spending the next couple of years hanging out with both her and Mantis while making Vol. 3. Happy Birthday, Pom! Too bad this weirdo ruined this awesome picture of us by butting in!".Archivedfrom the original on July 25, 2017. RetrievedMay 25,2017– viaInstagram.

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^Jump up to:abcKit, Borys; Couch, Aaron (July 20, 2018)."James Gunn Fired From 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3'".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on July 21, 2018. RetrievedJuly 20,2018.

^Fleming, Mike Jr. (July 20, 2018)."James Gunn Fired From 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' Over Offensive Tweets".Deadline.Archivedfrom the original on July 20, 2018. RetrievedJuly 20,2018.

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^Mendelson, Scott (July 24, 2018)."By Firing James Gunn, Disney Has Exposed Itself To Unending Online Blackmail".Forbes.Archivedfrom the original on July 25, 2018. RetrievedJuly 31,2018.

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^Cashin, Rory."Exclusive: Bradley Cooper reveals what it would take for him to direct Guardians Of The Galaxy 3".JOE.ie.Archivedfrom the original on October 18, 2018. RetrievedOctober 20,2018.

^Fleming, Mike Jr. (October 9, 2018)."James Gunn Boards 'Suicide Squad 2' To Write And Possibly Direct".Deadline.Archivedfrom the original on October 12, 2018. RetrievedOctober 11,2018.

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^Lussier, Germain (October 26, 2018)."Kevin Feige Just Provided Minor Updates on Avengers 4 and Guardians 3".io9.Archivedfrom the original on October 26, 2018. RetrievedOctober 26,2018.

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^Evangelista, Chris (December 20, 2018)."Marvel Asked Adam McKay to Direct 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3'"./Film.Archivedfrom the original on December 21, 2018. RetrievedDecember 20,2018.

^Bell, Crystal (January 7, 2019)."Marvel's Kevin Feige On Avengers: Endgame And The Fate Of Guardians Of The Galaxy 3".MTV.Archivedfrom the original on January 7, 2019. RetrievedJanuary 7,2019.

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^Lussier, Germain (May 2, 2023)."Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3's Main Plot Was Almost Used for a Rocket and Groot Movie".io9. RetrievedMay 7,2023.

^Anderson, Jenna (October 17, 2019)."James Gunn Explains If He Was Unhappy About Gamora's Story in Avengers: Endgame".ComicBook.com.Archivedfrom the original on October 19, 2019. RetrievedOctober 19,2019.

^Gunn, James [@JamesGunn](May 6, 2023)."No"(Tweet). RetrievedMay 8,2023– viaTwitter.

^Barnhardt, Adam (December 30, 2019)."Guardians of the Galaxy's James Gunn Says Yondu Won't Be Brought Back to Life".ComicBook.com.Archivedfrom the original on April 28, 2020. RetrievedNovember 4,2021.

^Ridlehoover, John (February 7, 2020)."James Gunn Explains Why at Least One Guardian Will Never Be Resurrected".Comic Book Resources.Archivedfrom the original on February 8, 2020. RetrievedNovember 4,2021.

^Haring, Bruce (March 18, 2021)."'Guardians Of The Galaxy 3' Will Be Yondu-Free, Says Writer-Director James Gunn".Deadline Hollywood.Archivedfrom the original on March 18, 2021. RetrievedNovember 4,2021.

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^Schmidt, JK (January 15, 2021)."The Suicide Squad Spinoff Peacemaker Begins Filming With James Gunn".ComicBook.com.Archivedfrom the original on January 15, 2021. RetrievedJanuary 16,2021.

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^Kit, Borys; Couch, Aaron (November 20, 2020)."Marvel's 'Black Panther' Sequel Shoot to Begin in July (Exclusive)".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on November 20, 2020. RetrievedNovember 20,2020.

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^Romean, Rachel (June 8, 2021)."Marvel's James Gunn Gives Thrilling Guardians 3 Update".CinemaBlend.Archivedfrom the original on June 19, 2021. RetrievedMay 6,2022.

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^Bonaime, Ross (July 9, 2021)."Karen Gillan on Reading the Script for 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3': "There Was Full Tears"".Collider.Archivedfrom the original on July 10, 2021. RetrievedJuly 10,2021.

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^Jump up to:abVary, Adam B. (February 17, 2022)."'Peacemaker' Season Finale: James Gunn on Pulling Off [SPOILERS'] Shocking Cameo".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on February 17, 2022. RetrievedFebruary 18,2022.

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^Cremona, Patrick (November 10, 2021)."Kumail Nanjiani's Guardians of the Galaxy 3 cameo scrapped due to Eternals".Radio Times.Archivedfrom the original on November 10, 2021. RetrievedMay 6,2022.

^Jump up to:abCouch, Aaron; Kit, Borys (October 11, 2021)."'Guardians of the Galaxy 3' Enlists Will Poulter as Adam Warlock".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on October 11, 2021. RetrievedOctober 11,2021.

^Allen, Ben (November 11, 2021)."Will Poulter: 'I'm very honoured to have been welcomed into the Marvel family'".GQ.Archivedfrom the original on November 17, 2021. RetrievedNovember 22,2021.

^Barnhardt, Adam (May 1, 2023)."Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Star Will Poulter Opens Up on Adam Warlock's Debut (Exclusive)".ComicBook.com.Archivedfrom the original on May 2, 2023. RetrievedMay 2,2023.

^Cooper, Freda (September 15, 2021)."Karen Gillan: The 'Guardians of the Galaxy 3' script left me 'in floods of tears' (exclusive)".Yahoo! Movies UK.Archivedfrom the original on September 15, 2021. RetrievedSeptember 19,2021.

^Davis, Brandon (September 21, 2021)."What If's Seth Green Talks Howard the Duck's Marvel Past And Future...? (Exclusive Interview)".ComicBook.com.Archivedfrom the original on September 21, 2021. RetrievedSeptember 21,2021.

^Griffiths, Elliott (October 19, 2021)."Guardians Of The Galaxy 3 Has Cast Dozens Of Secret Roles".Screen Rant.Archivedfrom the original on October 19, 2021. RetrievedNovember 4,2021.

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^Outlaw, Kofi (October 20, 2021)."Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Hasn't Started Filming Yet, Says James Gunn".Screen Rant.Archivedfrom the original on October 20, 2021. RetrievedOctober 20,2021.

^Karthik Prasad, R.A. (November 3, 2021)."Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 director James Gunn assures no return for Yondu & explains why".Pursue News.Archivedfrom the original on November 4, 2021. RetrievedNovember 4,2021.

^Jump up to:abScott, Ryan (November 8, 2021)."Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 Has Begun Filming As James Gunn Shares Image From The Set"./Film.Archivedfrom the original on November 8, 2021. RetrievedNovember 8,2021.

^Liu, Narayan (April 17, 2022)."Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Reportedly Delayed Black Adam Release".Comic Book Resources.Archivedfrom the original on April 17, 2022. RetrievedMay 12,2022.

^Chitwood, Adam (September 6, 2021)."The Suicide Squad Cinematographer Henry Braham on the Helmet Shot, Harley Fight, and More".Collider.Archivedfrom the original on October 22, 2021. RetrievedMay 6,2022.

^Gerblick, Jordan (November 8, 2021)."Guardians of the Galaxy 3 casts Chukwudi Iwuji in mystery role as filming begins".Total Film.GamesRadar+.Archivedfrom the original on November 19, 2021. RetrievedMay 6,2022.

^LaBonte, Rachael (July 6, 2021)."The Suicide Squad's Realism Will Continue Into Guardians of the Galaxy 3".Screen Rant.Archivedfrom the original on July 6, 2021. RetrievedJuly 10,2021.

^Perry, Spencer (February 4, 2021)."Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to Utilize The Mandalorian Set Technology".ComicBook.com.Archivedfrom the original on February 6, 2021. RetrievedFebruary 5,2021.

^Schaefer, Sandy (October 26, 2021)."Why Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Won't Use The Mandalorian's Filming Technology".Comic Book Resources.Archivedfrom the original on November 9, 2021. RetrievedMay 6,2022.

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^Jump up to:abcDavids, Brian (November 18, 2022)."James Gunn Talks Writing 'The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special' in Just a Few Hours and the Latest on His Final 'Guardians' Film".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on November 19, 2022. RetrievedNovember 19,2022.

^Jirak, Jamie (September 29, 2021)."The Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy Director James Gunn Pays Tribute to Costume and Production Designers".ComicBook.com.Archivedfrom the original on October 21, 2021. RetrievedMay 6,2022.

^Petski, Denise (December 10, 2020)."'Guardians of the Galaxy' Holiday Special, Baby Groot Series Set For Disney+".Deadline.Archivedfrom the original on December 11, 2020. RetrievedDecember 10,2020.

^Travis, Ben (February 15, 2022)."Zoe Saldana On The 'Bittersweet' Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3: 'James Gunn Has Written A Beautiful Story' – Exclusive".Empire.Archivedfrom the original on February 15, 2022. RetrievedFebruary 15,2022.

^Lutz, John (May 1, 2022)."'Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special' Wraps Filming".Collider.Archivedfrom the original on May 4, 2022. RetrievedMay 6,2022.

^Davis, Brandon (November 18, 2022)."Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special's Vol. 3 Connections Revealed (Exclusive)".ComicBook.com.Archivedfrom the original on November 18, 2022. RetrievedNovember 19,2022.

^Gunn, James [@JamesGunn](March 9, 2021)."I want them to come with us to London later this year when we shoot Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"(Tweet).Archivedfrom the original on March 10, 2021. RetrievedMarch 11,2021– viaTwitter.

^Bonomolo, Cameron (April 23, 2023)."James Gunn Confirms Uncensored F-Bomb in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3".Comicbook.com.Archivedfrom the original on April 30, 2023. RetrievedMay 4,2023.

^Ellis, Philip (April 30, 2023)."Chris Pratt Improvised the First Ever F-Bomb in the MCU".Men's Health.Archivedfrom the original on May 4, 2023. RetrievedMay 4,2023.

^Gunn, James [@JamesGunn](May 6, 2023)."Consideration? Sure"(Tweet). RetrievedMay 8,2023– viaTwitter.

^Jirak, Jamie (May 6, 2022)."Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Wraps Filming".ComicBook.com.Archivedfrom the original on May 7, 2022. RetrievedMay 6,2022.

^Wiseman, Andreas (June 6, 2022)."'Borat' Breakout Maria Bakalova Set For Key Role In Marvel's 'Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3'".Deadline Hollywood.Archivedfrom the original on June 6, 2022. RetrievedJune 6,2022.

^Wiseman, Andreas (June 14, 2022)."'Crazy Rich Asians' & 'Superstore' Actor Nico Santos Joins 'Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3'".Deadline Hollywood.Archivedfrom the original on June 14, 2022. RetrievedJune 14,2022.

^Taylor, Drew (October 25, 2022)."'Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special' Trailer Features Christmas Cheer With Kevin Bacon (Video)".TheWrap.Archivedfrom the original on October 25, 2022. RetrievedOctober 25,2022.

^Jacobs, Mira (February 15, 2023)."The Sandman Star Joins Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3".Comic Book Resources.Archivedfrom the original on February 18, 2023. RetrievedFebruary 18,2023.

^Gunn, James [@JamesGunn](May 6, 2023)."Yes. Yes"(Tweet). RetrievedMay 8,2023– viaTwitter.

^Frei, Vincent (February 13, 2023)."Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 - The Art of VFX".Art of VFX.Archivedfrom the original on March 10, 2023. RetrievedMarch 20,2023.

^Northrup, Ruan (July 14, 2022)."GOTG 3 Director James Gunn Has Perfect Response To New NASA Space Photos".Screen Rant.Archivedfrom the original on July 14, 2022. RetrievedJuly 14,2022.

^D'Alessandro, Anthony; Patten, Dominic (January 27, 2022)."James Gunn On End Of 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' Franchise & 'Peacemaker's Butterfly Secret: Hero Nation Podcast".Deadline Hollywood.Archivedfrom the original on May 2, 2022. RetrievedMay 6,2022.

^Jirak, Jamie (December 30, 2022)."James Gunn Promises Disney Isn't Interfering with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3".ComicBook.com.Archivedfrom the original on January 1, 2023. RetrievedDecember 31,2022.

^Rottenberg, Josh (May 4, 2017)."Director James Gunn talks mom rock and why Led Zeppelin missed the cut for his 'Guardians 2' mix".Los Angeles Times.Archivedfrom the original on May 16, 2017. RetrievedMay 15,2017.

^Gunn, James [@JamesGunn](July 1, 2017)."I have it down to 181 songs. That list could get longer"(Tweet).Archivedfrom the original on July 3, 2017. RetrievedJuly 3,2017– viaTwitter.

^Burton, Byron (August 5, 2017)."James Gunn on 'Guardians 3' and Marvel's Cosmic Plans".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on August 9, 2017. RetrievedAugust 10,2017.

^Jirak, Jamie (February 27, 2022)."Guardians of the Galaxy Director Debunks Rumors of Modern Songs in Vol. 3".ComicBook.com.Archivedfrom the original on February 28, 2022. RetrievedFebruary 27,2022.

^Gunn, James [@JamesGunn](April 23, 2022)."I was denied use of 1 song for #Peacemaker (the band's new lineup were bitter toward the previous lineup so wouldn't okay an older tune) & 1 song I wanted for Vol 3 was in a legal battle over who owned it, so we didn't even know who to negotiate with. Those are the only 2 times"(Tweet).Archivedfrom the original on April 23, 2022. RetrievedApril 23,2022– viaTwitter.

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^O'Connell, Sean (October 12, 2021)."James Gunn Just Confirmed His Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 Composer, And It's A Marvel Newbie".CinemaBlend.Archivedfrom the original on October 12, 2021. RetrievedOctober 12,2021.

^Anderson, Jenna (October 16, 2021)."Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: James Gunn Teases The Suicide Squad Composer's "Incredible" Score".ComicBook.com.Archivedfrom the original on November 8, 2021. RetrievedMay 6,2022.

^"John Murphy to Score James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad'".Film Music Reporter. May 7, 2020.Archivedfrom the original on May 8, 2020. RetrievedJanuary 17,2021.

^Taylor, Drew (December 1, 2022)."First 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' Trailer Emerges from Deep Space (Video)".TheWrap.Archivedfrom the original on December 2, 2022. RetrievedDecember 5,2022.

^Peters, Jay (December 1, 2022)."The Guardians of the Galaxy visit some strange new places in Vol. 3's official trailer".The Verge.Archivedfrom the original on December 1, 2022. RetrievedDecember 5,2022.

^Barnhardt, Adam (February 12, 2023)."Guardians of the Galaxy 3: Here's the Song in the Trailer".ComicBook.com.Archivedfrom the original on February 13, 2023. RetrievedFebruary 13,2023.

^Hermanns, Grant (February 12, 2023)."Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Trailer: First Look At Adam Warlock's Powers Revealed".Screen Rant.Archivedfrom the original on February 13, 2023. RetrievedFebruary 13,2023.

^D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 15, 2023)."'Guardians Of The Galaxy', 'Flash' & 'Fast X' See Super Bowl Surge On Social Media".Deadline Hollywood.Archivedfrom the original on February 17, 2023. RetrievedFebruary 18,2023.

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^"General Mills' Fan-Favorite Brands Team Up with Marvel Studios' "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" for Limited-Edition Products".Business Wire. RetrievedMay 12,2023.

^Mandato, Luke (May 5, 2023)."Microsoft's Zune is making a comeback thanks to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3".MobileSyrup. RetrievedMay 12,2023.

^Behbakht, Andy (April 22, 2023)."Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3's First Social Media Reactions Are In".Screen Rant.Archivedfrom the original on April 23, 2023. RetrievedApril 23,2023.

^Utley, Riley (April 22, 2023)."Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 Has Finally Screened, See What People Are Saying About James Gunn's Trilogy Capper".CinemaBlend.Archivedfrom the original on April 23, 2023. RetrievedApril 23,2023.

^Yee, Lawrence (April 28, 2023)."'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' World Premiere: See Vin Diesel's 'Groot Suit' (Photos)".Yahoo!.Archivedfrom the original on April 28, 2023. RetrievedApril 28,2023.

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External linksEdit

Official website atMarvel.com

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3atIMDb