One of the most popular franchises in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has long been Guardians of the Galaxy. Directed and shepherded creatively by James Gunn, these operatic space adventures have been both box-office successes—grossing more than $1.6 billion worldwide—and critical favorites, earning consistently high ratings from audiences and critics alike. Now, Gunn has hinted that the next film may serve as a definitive conclusion for this incarnation of the team.
Speaking on Deadline’s Hero Nation podcast, Gunn said:
“This is the end for us, the last time people will see this team of Guardians.”
That statement doesn’t rule out future stories set in the Guardians universe, but it strongly suggests that the specific group of heroes audiences know—this ensemble of characters and their ongoing relationships—will reach a formal conclusion. Gunn explained that his intention is to provide a proper ending.
“I want to give people the wrap-up they deserve for this story,” he added, referencing his role as writer and director of the first two films released in 2014 and 2017.
While plot details remain tightly guarded, Gunn promises this third installment will be an expansive finale. He described the film as ambitious in scale and tonal range.
“It’s big; it’s so, so big and dark, and different from what people might be expecting it to be.”
The narrative will likely explore the fallout from Avengers: Endgame, which brought back an original team member, Gamora, in a new form. Among the notable additions to the cast is Will Poulter, who joins the series as Adam Warlock—an artificial being whose comic-book origins cast him as a dangerous and destabilizing presence for the Guardians.
Dave Bautista, who plays the blunt and loyal Drax the Destroyer, has also acknowledged that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is intended as a capstone for this lineup. Speaking on a Marvel-focused podcast, he said, “It’s our third film, we’re gonna wrap it up. And it’s been a hell of a journey with a few bumps. So, I’m looking forward to this, man. My cast and obviously the director, James Gunn, they’re like family to me.”
The Guardians movies were a turning point for Bautista’s acting career, broadening his audience beyond wrestling fans and allowing him to showcase comedic timing and emotional range. He reflected on the arc of his involvement with the franchise: “This is kind of where my journey started. It’s come full circle and I’m looking forward to wrapping it up. And it’s bittersweet. I mean, I’ve been doing Guardians since 2013. When this comes out, it’ll be 2023, so that’s a 10-year journey. All things must end. I’m looking forward to kind of wrapping this up with my friends and family.”
Beyond Guardians, James Gunn directed The Suicide Squad for Warner Bros. in 2021 and created the Peacemaker spinoff series for HBO Max, which follows John Cena’s character. Gunn’s work outside the MCU demonstrates his ability to reinvent established comic-book material while preserving a distinctive voice, and studio executives have indicated he may return to other properties in the future.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is scheduled for release on 5 May 2023. Before that, fans will have a chance to reconnect with the team in a shorter format: The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is set to debut on Disney+ in December, offering an earlier glimpse of these characters and their continuing adventures.
For longtime viewers the third film promises to deliver closure, emotional stakes, and a tonal shift that could reshape how the franchise is remembered. Whether it becomes the final chapter for these exact characters or simply the end of a particular era within a larger cosmic tapestry, the intent is clear: a meaningful and deliberate conclusion that honors the story told over the past decade.