While filming has just ended under the direction of James Gunn, a little overview of what we know about “Guardians of the Galaxy 3”, one year from its release.
Closing clap for the main shots of Guardians of the Galaxy 3! The third installment in the Marvel saga launched in 2014 by James Gunn is now entering the post-production phase for just under a year (with, no doubt, a phase of reshoots in it), and it is the director himself- even who made a point of informing us of this step on Twitter.
“And this is a wrap photo for the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. I love this incredible cast and crew, their magnificent talent and their kindness. Having them by my side on this path for almost ten years makes me a lucky man.”)
While information and images should arrive over the months, the time has come to take stock of what we know about the Marvel film, which is part of Phase IV of the MCU.
WHEN IS IT COMING OUT?
May 3, 2023 in France. And two days later in the United States. So in a little less than a year today, and in cinemas.
WHO REALIZES?
Fired by Marvel and Disney in July 2018, when controversial tweets were exhumed by the American far-right, James Gunn found refuge at Warner and DC, who entrusted him with the orders of The Suicide Squad. But he officially found Star-Lord, Groot and Rocket in March 2019, when his re-engagement, which had been in place for several months, was announced.
After Jon Watts (Spider-Man) and Peyton Reed (Ant-Man), James Gunn will be the third director to have initiated and concluded a trilogy within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As for the two previous ones, he will also officiate as screenwriter for the third installment.
WHO PLAYS IN IT?
James Gunn isn’t the only one returning to the Guardians of the Galaxy universe, because everyone will be there. From Chris Pratt (Star-Lord) to Karen Gillan (Nebula), via Dave Bautista (Drax) and Pom Klementieff (Mantis) or even Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper, who lend their voices to Groot and Rocket Raccoon respectively. Without forgetting Zoë Saldana, alias Gamora.
If the latter died in Infinity War, killed by Thanos, her version from the 2014 timeline is still alive. And the presence of the actress has been confirmed in the casting, in the same way as that of Jennifer Holland, the director’s companion who will be part of the newcomers.
Briefly previewed in episode 2, Sylvester Stallone should be back in this third installment, which will also welcome Will Poulter in a key role: that of Adam Warlock, to be genetically superior awaited firmly by Marvel fans and teased in one of the post-credits scenes of the previous opus. And its creator Ayesha should be there, always in the guise of Elizabeth Debicki again painted in gold.
WHAT WILL IT ABOUT?
Adam Warlock having been created by an Ayesha avid of revenge against the Guardians, it would be logical that this one is the big villain of the story. At least initially. Because if he was part of the band of heroes in certain comic books, the character has oscillated between Good and Evil since his birth. And it is better to be on the same side as this being endowed with superhuman abilities and capable of flying, manipulating and absorbing energy, regenerating itself or even practicing telepathy.
Very heavy for Star-Lord and his friends therefore, even if we must admit that we do not really know what the film will be about, for lack of an official synopsis. Adam Warlock should, however, occupy an important place, as well as the search for Gamora, just to bring the team together. One last time ? Everything suggests that deaths and departures are to be expected, because James Gunn speaks of Guardians of the Galaxy 3 as the end of a cycle. For him anyway. Or for Karen Gillan, who wonders about the possibility of seeing Nebula again in the cinema.
The month of May 2023 should therefore be emotionally charged for fans of the trilogy and the dysfunctional family assembled by the director and screenwriter. But there will be several steps to prepare for it: on July 13, the Guardians will be (a little) alongside Thor in Love and Thunder, to make the link with the end of Avengers Endgame before the heir of Asgard does not leave on his side.
The heroes will then shine on Disney + at the end of the year for a Holiday Special, a tribute to the infamous Star Wars Christmas Special that George Lucas had tried to make disappear when he had participated in the scenario. Let’s wish a little more success to Drax, Star-Lord and company, with this TV movie which will serve as the launch pad for their third and, undoubtedly, last adventure together.
Next meeting with the Guardians: July 13 in “Thor – Love and Thunder”