Director James Gunn says there's a lot of sadness on the set of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Gunn is currently filming the third entry in the franchise, which brings back the recurring cast of Chris Pratt as Star-Lord, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Dave Bautista as Drax, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, and Vin Diesel as Groot. Also joining the film is Will Poulter as Adam Warlock, as well as a few more familiar faces with Sylvester Stallone, Elizabeth Debicki, and Sean Gunn.

Gunn has said that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 would be "the end" for this team of Guardians, which has been a bittersweet notion for the cast, crew, and fans alike. Bautista has echoed the bittersweet aspect of the film, but said that he's looking forward to wrapping up the 10-year journey of playing the character in the series. Saldana has also responded to Gunn's statement about GOTG Vol. 3 being the final chapter, noting the emotions already started, but also highlighting the fact that they get to finish the journey together, and that Gunn is giving them all a really "beautiful ending."

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Gunn was asked on Twitter how the vibes on set are, to which the director gave a very honest answer, saying that while the vibes are "great" there's still sadness in the air. He goes on to explain that there are "near-daily tears" as the cast and crew are well aware that "this is the last Guardians movie for most of us." This is the same sentiment that Gunn has been sharing since production started on GOTG Vol. 3 and appears to be one he'll continue to echo throughout, right up until the film is released. Here's Gunn's tweet:

While Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 may be the last time audiences see that particular team together, there's still the matter of the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, which Gunn recently said is the greatest thing he's ever done in his life. The director said it will be "unlike anything that anyone’s ever seen before," which audiences will bare witness to when it debuts on Disney+ this holiday season. Pratt's Star-Lord will also be seen in Thor: Love & Thunder, so there's at least one additional appearance for his character in the MCU as well, but it's unclear what fate awaits the rest of this group of Guardians.

It's interesting that Gunn says GOTG Vol. 3 is the last Guardians movie for "most of us" as it implies that not everyone will necessarily be killed off or otherwise dismissed from the MCU entirely. It also makes it sound like Gunn is dead set on this being the last film in the Guardians franchise for him, which makes sense given that he's said in the past that he wants to remain true to the story and characters in telling the story he's outlined. Still, it leaves room for speculation as to who lives, who dies, and what the future holds for these beloved MCU characters. Audiences will know for sure when Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hits theaters on May 5, 2023.

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Source: James Gunn