James Gunn, the director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, explains why the Guardians have a new ship. After defeating Ego the Living Planet (Kurt Russell) in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and surviving Avengers: Endgame, the Guardians have gone on to liberate Knowhere from the Collector and kidnap Kevin Bacon in order to bring about the perfect Christmas for Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), as seen in the recent Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. Now, with the start of Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe on the way, the Guardians will begin their last adventure as a team in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

The 2023 movie will reintroduce Marvel's cosmic plots, which means that the Guardians will need to be ready to fly across the galaxy at a moment's notice. Thankfully, they have a brand new ship to replace their previous vessel, The Benatar. While there has been considerable speculation as to why the Guardians would have replaced their trusty ship, Gunn took to Mastodon to clarify the issue for fans and to let them know that Rocket Raccoon really hasn't changed at all. "It’s more simple than that - Rocket just keeps upgrading ships," he replied.

Related: Why Marvel Can't Recast Drax After Guardians 3 (Despite Bautista's Exit)

James Gunn Reply To A Mastodon Fan

Everything We Know About Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3

Rocket Raccoon

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will see the team re-enter the MCU with new comic-accurate Guardians costumes. The film will take place after The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special and end the original iteration of the team. With Pratt, Zoe Saldaña (Gamora), Dave Bautista (Drax), Vin Diesel (Groot), and Bradley Cooper (Rocket) returning, the entire original line-up will be there to see the ending of the story of the Guardians. They will also be joined by their newer teammates Karen Gillan (Nebula), Pom Klementieff (Mantis), and Maria Bakalova (Cosmo).

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will also introduce Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) and the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji). Warlock was previously teased in the MCU, while the High Evolutionary will be an antagonist so dedicated to ensuring evolutionary enhancement in alien races that he evolved himself past the point of mortality. As Rocket's creator, the appearance of the High Evolutionary means that audiences will be able to see the reveal of Rocket's origin story, something that the raccoon has held close to his chest for years.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is meant to be incredibly emotional, drawing on heartstrings in the same way that Avengers: Endgame did. It will mark the end of an era so that another can start. While it may not be the conclusion of the Guardians of the Galaxy entirely, members like Drax will likely leave the team, as Bautista is ready to move on from the MCU. Other characters, such as Rocket, may meet a final and fatal conclusion, as their story arcs will be coming to an end. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 might not be the finale for everyone, but it will be the end for many, and it should hit hard.

More: Guardians Of The Galaxy 3 Trailer's "We Are Groot" Hints At Dark Ending

Source: James Gunn/Mastodon

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