Marvel star Zoe Saldana has described her return in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 as “bittersweet” while speaking with Empire Magazine. The actress, who has played the role of founding Guardians of the Galaxy member Gamora since the first movie back in 2014, has provided some insight into the melancholic, emotional nature of the upcoming threequel, as well as the personal struggles being felt by the cast and crew thanks to real-world hurdles.
“It’s bittersweet; after all those years of complaining about that green make-up, I find myself already nostalgic about it. There’s a lot of melancholy here, but also pride that we’ve achieved something great. James Gunn has written a beautiful story, that’s making us emotional even as we shoot it. Omicron plays a doozy on us every other day, but we’re getting by and we’re happy.”
The more we hear about Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the more it’s beginning to sound like the saddest outing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe so far. The original Gamora was killed by her adoptive father Thanos during the events of Avengers: Infinity War. Thus, Saldana will return as a younger version of the character introduced in Avengers: Endgame, who has traveled to the present. The journey this version of the character will go on during Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 remains to be seen, but it sounds like director James Gunn has crafted something really special. Something that audiences will no doubt expect considering this is likely the last time we will see Gamora. Saldana continued to tease Gamora’s arc in the movie, saying...
"She began as this warrior wanting to get out of a very toxic parental relationship, then she finds the Guardians who are dysfunctional-ish as well, but they're okay. She learns a lot and finds this bigger purpose. Then her dad comes and f***s everything up. She dies, she's brought back, but it's not her. I think Gamora's a little confused, I have to say! But James [Gunn] has weaved this wonderful story around the character and every character in this third film."
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Will Wrap Up the Franchise
Plot details for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 remain largely unknown at present, but it has been revealed by several members of the cast and crew that the movie will wrap up the franchise. Writer/director James Gunn has said that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 “is the end for us, the last time people will see this team of Guardians.” Returning star Dave Bautista has stated that “all things must end,” adding, "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."
Written and directed by James Gunn, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 stars an ensemble cast featuring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Sean Gunn, Sylvester Stallone, and Will Poulter. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is scheduled to be released on May 5, 2023, as part of Phase Four of the MCU.