The official synopsis for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hints that the events of the movie may lead to the end of the team.
Disney+ unveiled the official synopsis for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which teases an emotional ending to James Gunn's beloved Marvel Cinematic Universe trilogy. The synopsis reads, "In Marvel Studios 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' our beloved band of misfits are looking a bit different these days. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them."
The synopsis was released shortly after the premiere of Vol. 3's first trailer. Out of all of the members of the Guardians of the Galaxy, fans are particularly worried about the fate of Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper). After moments in the trailer where he notes that he's "done running," and hopes to "fly away together one last time," fans have speculated that the genetically modified raccoon will die in the film. Gunn recently noted that part of the reason he wanted to make the third Guardians film, was to give Rocket the conclusion he deserves. "The reason why I needed to finish this is because I love the character of Rocket more than any character I’ve ever dealt with before, and I needed to finish his story and that is what Volume 3 is about," he said.
Saying Goodbye to the Guardians
The synopsis released by Disney is not the first time it's been suggested that Vol. 3 will be the end of the Guardians of the Galaxy audiences have become accustomed to. Gunn has previously described the third entry in the franchise as the final iteration of this version of the team. "It’s not ever going to be the same group of characters for a lot of different reasons," he explained. "Who knows what will happen with the Guardians franchise in regards to future characters, but in terms of this group of characters, this is the end of their story."
Aside from Rocket, the synopsis suggests Peter's relationship with Gamora will also be an important plot point. Saldana has also hinted that she may be ready to retire the character after Vol. 3. "I can never say no to anything, but that green makeup? I wouldn't be upset if it didn't happen again," Saldana said. Similarly, Pratt stated in July that Marvel has "no plans" for Star-Lord after the trilogy's conclusion.
Based on the trailer, the Guardians' high-stakes mission appears to pit them against two formidable foes, Will Poulter's Adam Warlock and Chukwudi Iwuji's High Evolutionary. Iwuji, who previously worked with Gunn on HBO Max's Peacemaker, made a surprise appearance, fully dressed in character, at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2022 to tease his threat level. "As I gaze out at this crowd I am reminded of my sole purpose, to take scum like you and enhance you to something less reprehensible," he said to the crowd. His threats set the stage for an emotional, and perhaps deadly, Vol. 3.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 releases in theaters on May 5, 2023.
Source: Disney+