It wasn’t until 2014 that Guardians Of The Galaxy became one of Marvel’s most famous teams of heroes. Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax and Rocket quickly became household names after James Gunn’s MCU directing debut. This, of course, was critically and financially successful.

The third and final installment of this trilogy is slated for release on Disney+ in summer 2023. As the outing has already begun filming, fans can expect an exciting Holiday Special to look forward to. Furthermore, the Guardians will also make their debut in Thor: Love and Thunder. Chris Hemsworth’s foruth solo movie is set to arrive on the scene in July 2022.

In light of Gunn’s departure from Marvel for DC’s The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, this will be the filmmaker’s final MCU project. Also, the threequel will be the final appearance of this iteration of Guardians of the Galaxy.

Chris Pratt’s Guardians End With Vol. 3

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 director James Gunn recently confirmed the threequel will be the final time Chris Pratt’s Guardians appear in the MCU during an appearance on Deadline’s Hero Nation podcast.

During the director’s final Marvel outing, Gunn revealed that Vol. 3 will be “the last time people will see” the current Guardians of the Galaxy team:

“This is the end for us, the last time people will see this team of Guardians.”

Because of his desire to “be true to the characters [and] the story” while “[giving] people the wrap-up that they deserve,” Marvel and DC director Joss Whedon expressed his anxiety about the film:

“I just want to be true to the characters, the story and give people the wrap-up that they deserve for the story. That’s always a little bit scary; I’m doing my best.”

In addition to these quips, Gunn teased that the stereotype that “the third film in most trilogy suckers” is “not always” true:

“I’m aware that the third film in most trilogies sucks; not always.”

Is There Hope For The Guardians In The MCU?

There is no doubt that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 marks James Gunn’s final appearance in the MCU, and he will be taking many of his close-knit cast members along for the ride as well. Some of the Guardians of the Galaxy will be resurrected for future iterations of the team and even lead their own Disney+ spin-off series in the future.

While Drax actor Dave Bautista has previously stated his disinterest in working at Marvel without James Gunn, the rest of the cast has yet to state. Chris Pratt’s iconic team may have come to an end in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but there is still plenty of action to go before they do.

After a brief appearance in Thor: Love and Thunder this summer, the Guardians of the Galaxy will appear in their own holiday special on Disney+ that will lead directly to their trilogy-ending finale.