James Gunn, director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has dismissed one fan theory involving Gamora and Mantis. The upcoming movie is the third installment in the popular Guardians series, with Gunn having directed the first two films as well. Zoe Saldana's Gamora has been a part of the MCU since the first movie in 2014. Though she's spent the most time with the Guardians and her sister, Nebula, her role as Thanos' adopted daughter means she's had an impact on the larger MCU as well. In Avengers: Infinity War, Gamora was murdered by Thanos so he could retrieve the Soul Stone. Luckily, a younger version of Gamora survives Avengers: Endgame, but she doesn't remember her relationship with the Guardians or Star-Lord.

Meanwhile, Mantis didn't join the Guardians until Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, where she forms a close bond with Drax, especially. She has the ability to affect people's emotions, a skill she uses to help the fight against Thanos in both Infinity War and Endgame. This has led some to wonder if Mantis could theoretically use that skill to share the deceased Gamora's memories with the younger version of the character. However, according to Gunn, this isn't possible.

Related: Gamora's Infinity War Backstory Creates A Guardians Plot Hole

Before a watch party for the second Guardians movie this week, Gunn responded to a fan question about Mantis and Gamora on Twitter. Gunn explained that, while Mantis' powers can work in reverse, "memories are thoughts, not emotions." Gunn then reminded fans "She cannot read or send thoughts, only emotions." Check out the director's full response below:

Though this information from Gunn debunks one interesting fan theory, there are still many more floating around the Internet. This is due to the curiosity surrounding Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which hasn't started filming and doesn't yet have a release date. Fans are also wondering if they may see the Guardians again before Vol. 3's release. This question stems from Thor effectively joining the Guardians at the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame, leaving many to speculate the Guardians will have to appear in 2022's Thor: Love and Thunder. This hasn't been confirmed, but does some likely, considering Groot actor Vin Diesel recently revealed he'd spoken with Thor 4 director Taika Waititi about some of the Guardians playing a role in the film.

It seems unlikely this would include Gamora, as Gunn would likely want to handle Gamora's new, complicated relationship with the Guardians himself. Fans are probably disappointed to hear it won't be easy and is maybe even impossible for younger Gamora to ever remember her character's time with the Guardians. However, just because Mantis can't use her powers to help that particular situation doesn't mean Gamora won't come to care about the Guardians again in her own time. In fact, it may make for a more emotionally satisfying journey than Mantis providing a quick fix. Unfortunately, fans still have to wait quite awhile to see how Gunn resolves the issue in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

 More: It Looks Like Mantis WAS Originally Star-Lord's Sister in the MCU

Source: James Gunn