The upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe sequel Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is beginning to sound more and more like a surprisingly somber affair. Speaking with Brandon Davis on ComicBook.com's Phase Zero podcast, returning star Dave Bautista has stated that the third movie will wrap everything up and conclude on a melancholy note that “all things must end.”
"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."
Bautista clearly has a personal connection to the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, with the character Drax demonstrating the WWE star’s affinity for both comedy and drama and launching him onto the Hollywood A-list. With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 due to bring this saga of the franchise to an end, the MCU outing is sure to be an emotional ride for both actors and audiences alike.
"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. And, you know, when this comes out, it'll be in 2023, so that's a, you know, 10-year journey. You know, all things must end. And, you know, I'm looking forward to kind of wrapping this up with my friends and family."
Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Will Be the Last Time We See This Line-Up
Director James Gunn, who has helmed the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise since the beginning, recently offered further insight into how hard-hitting the upcoming third movie will be, revealing that this will be the last time that audiences see this particular line-up.
“This is the end for us, the last time people will see this team of Guardians,” Gunn said, before teasing the dark themes of the movie. “It’s big; it’s so, so big and dark, and different from what people might be expecting it to be. I just want to be true to the characters, the story and give people the wrap-up that they deserve for the story. That’s always a little bit scary; I’m doing my best.”
Story details surrounding Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 are currently being kept under wraps, but it has been suggested by James Gunn that the plot will center around the tragic backstory of Guardians staple Rocket Raccoon.
"I'll just say Rocket is a big part of what's happening in the future - and a lot of this stuff (like the scars we're about to see on his back) sets up what I've been planning for Rocket all along," Gunn previously revealed.
Written and directed by James Gunn, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 stars an ensemble cast featuring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, 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 in the United States on May 5, 2023, as part of Phase Four of the MCU.