James Gunn may have left Marvel Studios, and his Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy may have ended, but there are rumours that the fan-favourite group of intergalactic criminals will return to the big screen. Marvel Studios plans a new Guardians of the Galaxy movie after Avengers: Secret Wars.
The 2023 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the trilogy's final film, but the journey seems far from over.
Sure, the third film’s conclusion feels like the story's completion, but it features two significant teases that hint at the franchise's continuation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The first hint comes when a new Guardians team seemingly assembling, with Rocket, Groot, and Kraglin teaming up with Phyla, Adam Warlock, Blurp, and Cosmo.
Though nothing is confirmed yet, these seven can be the new lineup.
Another hint is the post-credit scene in the third movie. As a title card reveals that “Star-Lord will return,” it looks like Chris Pratt will be back to reprise his role one way or another.
Will there be Guardians of the Galaxy 4?
Though Marvel Studios has not officially announced that there will be Guardians of the Galaxy 4, insider Rejected Scooper confirms the claim in a post on X.
The production company allegedly plans to make a new Guardians of the Galaxy movie after Secret Wars.
While the details remain scarce, the insider alleges that the new lineup will consist of Quasar (Phyla-Vell), Adam Warlock, Alpha Groot, Rocket, Kraglin, Cosmo, Star-Lord, Mantis, Blurp, Nebula, and Drax.
Seeing these characters assemble is seemingly close to happening.
However, it’s interesting to see Nebula, Mantis, and Drax return, given they all went in different directions at the end of the third movie.
Mantis leaves for an adventure of self-discovery, while Drax chooses to be the father of the Star Children and also leaves the group behind to stay in Knowhere.
As for Nebula, she also resigns from the Guardians to help Drax raise the Star Children.
Reject Scooper reveals it remains to be seen if Zoe Saldana will return to reprise her role as Gamora, especially after she announces her exit from the MCU.
But as the MCU is now telling the story of the Multiverse Saga, Gamora still has a chance to return as a new variant.
Who will direct Guardians of Galaxy 4?
Gunn has left Marvel Studios to focus on new pursuits, being the current CEO of DC Studios and building the new era of the DC Universe.
The film director has repeatedly said that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is his final Guardians movie.
However, he doesn’t rule out the possibility of having a new director take the mantle and helm the new Guardians of the Galaxy movie, though he has one condition for whoever that may be.
“I think as long as somebody brings themselves to it and doesn't just try to copy that style— I think it can be really amazing,” he told Esquire Middle East in 2023. “And there's so many directors I would like to do that. And I would love to see it happen.”
In a post on Threads, he also shared that he would love Guardians of the Galaxy to continue with the remaining remembers and trusts Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige to choose the right person to helm the movie.
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