With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 releasing in theatres soon, many fans are curious to know whether their favorite superheroes will be returning for a fourth film or not. Here’s what we know so far.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 will mark the end of the James Gunn trilogy and there are no plans to make a fourth movie yet. However, if Marvel does greenlight a Volume 4, James Gunn will not be directing it.
Marvel rarely gives its superheroes more than 3 solo movies each. But in the current era of the MCU, we’ve gotten a fourth Thor movie, Love and Thunder, while Captain America: New World Order and a Spider-Man 4 are also on the way.
It’s no doubt that Guardians of the Galaxy has become one MCU’s biggest series, and with the excitement that Volume 3 has generated even before being released, it wouldn’t be shocking if Marvel announced a GOTG 4 as well.
However, the possibility of making a fourth GOTG movie will depend entirely on how GOTG Vol.3 ends and how the rest of Phase V progresses.
Let’s dive further into the details of what we can expect in a potential Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 4.
1. Why will James Gunn not direct GOTG Vol.4?
James Gunn has already stated in multiple interviews that he always intended to make Guardians of the Galaxy a trilogy. He has confirmed that Volume 3 will bring an end to the characters’ story arcs and that it’s going to be a real tear-jerker.
James Gunn recently signed on to DC Studios and he is going to be actively involved in its new phase. His contract will not allow him to work with Marvel for the next four years which explains why he won’t be available for a GOTG 4.
Gunn is one of the main reasons why this series became so popular so it’s hard to tell if a fourth movie will be able to generate the same amount of success without him.
2. Which cast members will return for GOTG Vol.4?
Zoe Saldaña and Dave Bautista, who play Gamora and Drax respectively, have expressed that they are ready to let go of their characters and would rather have Marvel recast their roles. So, if we get a GOTG Vol. 4, we most probably won’t see them again.
On the bright side, other cast members including Chris Pratt (Star-Lord), Karen Gillan (Nebula) and Pom Klementieff (Mantis) may still return to play their respective roles. Even Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel should be back to voice Rocket and Groot.
But since James Gunn has revealed that not everyone will survive in Volume 3, we can’t be sure that the squad will look the same in the next movie. The Guardians might make appearances in the upcoming Avengers movies as well, so their fate is still in question.
3. When could GOTG Vol.4 release?
The first Guardians of the Galaxy released in 2014, followed by Volume 2 in 2017 and now Volume 3 in 2023. The last film got delayed only because of the pandemic; otherwise, the movies would have been released at regular intervals of 3-4 years.
Based on the release schedule of the first three movies, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.4 may release only in 2026 or 2027. By this time, we will be well into Phase 7 of the MCU.
Due to the series’ rising popularity, the second and third movies have been getting May release dates as opposed to the first movie which released in August. So, there’s a good chance Volume 4 will also come out sometime in May 2026 or 2027.
4. Will more superheroes join the Guardians?
After Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3, we could see Adam Warlock and Cosmo the Spacedog joining the Guardians. Even Thor could become a member of the intergalactic squad since the Guardians were featured in Thor: Love and Thunder.
Since Marvel plans on expanding their Cinematic Universe further, characters like Moondragon, the Punisher, Nova, Eros, and Wonder Man could become members of the Guardians as well.
These characters, some of whom already exist in the MCU or are yet to be introduced, have been a part of the Guardians of the Galaxy in the comics. Thus, it would make sense for them to join the team somewhere down the line.
5. What could be the plot for GOTG Vol.4?
In Marvel Comics, the Guardians have been on several adventures that are yet to be covered in the MCU. So, if we get a GOTG Vol.4, there is plenty of material to take inspiration from.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.4 will most likely have a new version of the Guardians who will have to get used working together as a team while simultaneously battling cosmic threats like the Universal Church of Truth, Shi’ar Empire, and many other potential villains from the comics.
But there is still plenty of time before we reach this point in the MCU. We still have Phases 5 and 6 to go through and we have no idea which other villains will make their debut in the future.
I’m sure Marvel is waiting to see how well GOTG Vol.3 will be received before they announce a Volume 4.
Their first attempt at a fourth instalment in a series (Thor) didn’t exactly go well and we still don’t know if Captain America 4 and Spider-Man 4 movies will live up to the expectations.
It’s better that they take their time instead of getting too ambitious. Since we already know that Volume 3 will culminate the original trilogy, it might be best to keep it that way.
Make sure you watch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 in cinemas on May 5, 2023.
6. About Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is an upcoming American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The High Evolutionary, Rocket’s creator, emerges to reclaim his creation threatening to destroy the Guardians to get what he wants. Star-Lord must lead his team and protect one of their own while dealing with his emotional turmoil over Gamora. The stakes are even higher as Adam Warlock hunts the team on the orders of The Sovereign’s leader, Ayesha.
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 is set to hit theaters on May 5, 2023. Previous cast members will reprise their roles, including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Karen Gillan, Sean Gunn, and Pom Klementieff. Will Poulter and Chukwudi Iwuji will join the cast as Adam Warlock and The High Evolutionary.
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