Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Took One Year to Write, Says Gunn

Though there's no release date yet for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, writer and director James Gunn has shared one tidbit about the movie's script: it took him a year to write. Gunn has written and directed both of the previous Guardians of the Galaxy films. The first debuted in August 2014, to critical acclaim. Many saw the film as a refreshing departure for the MCU, focusing on zany antics instead of taking itself too seriously. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 premiered three years later and was more serious in tone. However, that film was also well-received by both fans and critics, with many respecting that Gunn didn't try to outdo the first film.

The Guardians in the films are Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper), and Groot (Vin Diesel). They come from different backgrounds, but form an unlikely family while alternatively saving the galaxy and causing trouble. Part human, part alien Peter leads the team and also goes by the name Star-Lord. In addition to the team's adventures, the first two films focused on Peter's relationship with Gamora, a fierce alien fleeing her father Thanos's legacy. The Guardians have been a part of other MCU films, including Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. In Avengers: Infinity War, Gamora is killed by Thanos, though Avengers: Endgame reveals that a younger, possibly evil version of Gamora still exists.

Gunn's role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has been a bumpy one. Last summer, after Disney became aware of offensive tweets written by Gunn, the studio fired him as director. However, following an apology from Gunn and support from the film's cast, Disney hired him back in March 2019. In the time between, Gunn took a job with Marvel rival DC to write and direct The Suicide Squad. Gunn will complete work on that film before Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 begins production. According to Gunn (via ComicBook), The Suicide Squad script took only a few months to write, while Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 took a year. Last month, James Gunn's brother, Sean, who also plays Kraglin in the films, said that his brother would probably take another look at the script before completing it.

Though it will be awhile until Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 begins filming, some information is already known about the movie. It's widely assumed that Adam Warlock will make his MCU debut in the film, as Gunn has said he wants to introduce the character. Warlock's introduction was also teased in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2's post-credits scene. Additionally, it's possible that Thor will be a part of the movie. At the end of Avengers: Endgame, Thor gave up his throne to Valkyrie and joined the Guardians. However, Gunn has said that the next Thor movie, Thor: Love and Thunder, will both release and take place before Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, leaving Thor's role as a Guardian in question.

The time Gunn took on the script for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is an interesting tidbit but doesn't tell fans much about the film. As Gunn himself said, he's spent a different amount of time on every script he's written, which is often the norm for screenwriters. MCU films require an attention to detail most other films don't have because writers have to be aware of what went on in each previous MCU film, not just their own. The time Gunn spent on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 shows that fans are in for a treat when the movie eventually premieres.

Next: How Thor 4 Can Use The Guardians Of The Galaxy (Without Undoing Endgame)

Source: James Gunn/ComicBook