James Gunn has confirmed that Marvel hasn't asked him to include any specific storylines in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 that would pave the way for future MCU films. The two previous installments of the franchise have brought significant success for the studio, the first grossing more than $770 million worldwide in 2014, with the second subsequently topping that in 2017 and earning over $860 million. Slated for a 2023 release, the third film sees Gunn return to Marvel after wrapping up his work on DC's revamped Suicide Squad.
Gunn had initially been fired from the upcoming project by Disney after the unearthing of historical tweets. However, that decision was reversed in March 2019 after the director received the backing of fans and cast members. Dave Bautista, in particular, was a big vocal supporter of Gunn, who himself has said Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 would be his last outing as Drax the Destroyer, suggesting his character could be recast in future projects. In addition to Bautista, the main cast is expected to return, with Gunn confirming Chris Pratt will be reprising his role as Star-Lord, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Karen Gillan as Nebula, and Sean Gunn as Kraglin.
In a recent interview with Collider, Gunn revealed that while he's had to keep up with the latest developments within the Guardian's storylines, Marvel hasn't asked him to lay the foundations for any narratives in upcoming MCU projects.
“The only time they ever [asked me to include something for future MCU movies] was on the first movie with Thanos, putting Thanos in there. Which they wanted me to do. But besides that they’ve never done that. I have to pay attention to things that happen, which they did talk to me about – the stuff with Gamora and things like that. I know that the characters have been through certain things, so I have to deal with that stuff. But for the most part, they never once asked me to put anything in the script for Volume 3 to set up anything in the future. Nor would I do it, frankly, it’s not really my thing.”
He also confirmed filming would begin in Georgia in November, adding that the script had "basically been finished for years" and that he's only making minor tweaks to a new draft at this point.
Little is known in terms of concrete plot details, though a much heavier storyline has been touted by Gunn. The ramifications of Gamora's death, sacrificed by Thanos in exchange for the Soul Stone, will likely be a key storyline - as will the whereabouts of the 2014 version of her character who emerged as a result of Endgame's time heist. Given Bautista's comments about stepping down following this film, it'll also be intriguing to see if that holds any impact when it comes to the fate of Drax, even more so given Gunn himself admitted there's no replacing the former WWE star.
While Gunn's comments leave many questions around how the film will impact the wider MCU, it's already known that the Guardians will play some part in Thor: Love and Thunder. However, those appearances are expected to be pretty limited. That could open the door for Chris Hemsworth to appear alongside the team in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, especially given the closing scenes of Avengers: Endgame, which saw him join the crew on-board Quill's ship.
Source: Collider