Director James Gunn just gave Marvel fans a massive reason to celebrate!
Fans have been looking forward to the highly anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” for some time now. The first film in the series debuted in 2014, and featured space adventurer Peter Quill, played by Chris Pratt, joining a band of misfits who try to save the universe.
The next film came out in 2017, and fans were left waiting for years to see if they would get another installment. It wasn’t until September 2021 that fans finally received word that a third film had been given the green light, with an anticipated release date of May 23, 2023.
That announcement also teased “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special,” which is expected to be available for streaming on Disney+ in December 2022. The film will be set between “Thor: Love and Thunder” and the third film. All Guardians are expected to reprise their roles for the holiday special.
James Gunn Describes A ‘Challenging Journey To Get Here’
It’s been a strange & long & at times challenging journey to get here, but the obstacles along the way have only made this moment more blissful. Back on set with my Guardians family for the first day of shooting #gotgvol3 pic.twitter.com/DrF8ZV8bvz
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) November 8, 2021
With Hollywood still trying to recover from the aftermath of the COVID-19 lockdown, Gunn admitted that it was a “challenging journey” to get back on set.
“It’s been a strange & long & at times challenging journey to get here, but the obstacles along the way have only made this moment more blissful,” he wrote on Twitter. “Back on set with my Guardians family for the first day of shooting #gotgvol3.”
Featured in the post are some familiar faces. Pratt is resuming his role as Star-Lord, and fans are looking forward to Dave Bautista reprising his role as Drax the Destroyer.
“Doctor Who” actress Karen Gillan will reprise her role as Nebula, and Zoe Saldana is expected to return as Gamora. Vin Diesel is also expected to continue to voice Groot, and Bradley Cooper will again assume the voice of Rocket Raccoon.
Although Gunn did not confirm rumors that Chris Hemsworth will reprise his role as Thor since the film takes place after “Thor: Love and Thunder,” it is possible that he may make an appearance. “Thor: Love and Thunder” is set to be released on July 8, 2022, and is directed by Taika Waititi.
However, in a follow-up tweet, Gunn confirmed that Chukwudi Iwuji had joined the cast.
“Chuk has indeed joined the cast,” Gunn wrote. “After working with him on #Peacemaker I wasn’t about to let go of one of the best actors I’ve ever worked with – so I gave him the role most every big name actor in Hollywood wanted. #TalentAboveAllElse.”
Fans Cannot Wait To See ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy: Volume 3’
So excited to see him in both #Peacemaker & Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3! pic.twitter.com/zFo7cBMMn8
— Josh ❤️ Eternals #BlackLivesMatter (@supermangeek101) November 8, 2021
Although some fans lamented how long it would be until the film would be available in theaters, other fans rejoiced that filming was finally getting underway.
“I cannot wait to see this film,” one fan wrote.
“I’ll watch anything with Gunn’s name attached to it,” another added.
One fan teased, “Not only are they ready to make a movie, but it also looks like they’re ready to drop a fresh new album!”
“Ecstatic you’re finally shooting,” another fan tweeted. “Good luck, and I can’t wait to see the final product in theaters!”
Although some films, like the long-awaited “Indiana Jones 5” has been marred by delays, fans are hoping that production goes smoothly so they can head to theaters to watch “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3” when it debuts on May 23, 2023.
