James Gunn Has Sad News For ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ Fans

Director James Gunn has some sad news for fans of “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

Fans have been looking forward to the highly anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” for a long time. The first film in the series debuted in 2014 and featured space adventurer Peter Quill, played by Chris Pratt, joining a band of misfits trying to save the universe.

The second film came out in 2017, with no news about the possibility of a third movie. It wasn’t until September 2021 that fans finally received word that a third film had been given the green light, with a scheduled release date of May 5, 2023.

Back in November, James Gunn posted a photo of the cast to Twitter.

“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 tweeted. “Back on set with my Guardians family for the first day of shooting #gotgvol3.”

Fans were able to spot plenty of familiar faces in the photo. 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.

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.”

James Gunn joined Deadline’s Hero Nation podcast to talk about the future of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series. “This is the end for us,” Gunn said. “The last time people will see this team of Guardians.”

Although plenty of fans are sad to see it come to an end, Gunn teased that there are big things in store!

“It’s big; it’s so, so big and dark, and different from what people might be expecting it to be,” Gunn added.

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

Gunn also stated that he was aware of fans’ concern that the third film in the trilogy wouldn’t be as good as its predecessors.

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

Gunn also talked about his 2022 series “Peacemaker,” which picked up where 2021’s “The Suicide Squad” left off. The first episode of the show debuted on HBO Max on January 13, 2022.

“I think at the heart of Peacemaker is a love story between Leota Adebayo (Danielle Brooks) and Christopher Smith (John Cena) and it’s not a sexual love, not a romantic love, it’s a love of friendship, of two people who are very different from each other, but they have a lot in common: They have overbearing parents who are obsessed with power, and their own version of what success is,” Gunn said.

“They both feel left behind in the wake of those parents, and they instantly like each other despite those differences,” Gunn added.

“Obviously we have all these political divides in our country,” Gunn continued. “I feel a lot of compassion for everyone, including people that I disagree with heartedly.”

Gunn also opened up about the butterfly that’s being kept in the jar, which has fueled a lot of speculation online.

“I think he doesn’t trust what they’re telling him: Him (Peacemaker) keeping Goth in a jar has to do with what Murn (Chukwudi Iwuji) is telling him,” Gunn said. “I don’t think he trusts Murn. So what are these Butterflies? What do they want? I don’t think he wants to go head first into what an authority is telling him, which is what he’s done a lot in his life.”