The Guardians of the Galaxy entered the Marvel Universe as some of the most unknown comic-book characters to be adapted, but they’re strutting into 2017 with eager eyes awaiting their return. Marvel ran a risk with the first film, one that paid off in every way, and it’s fair to say the sequel will bring around only more success.
Post-production on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is nearly packed up, and estimates are projecting a $160 million opening weekend. The film received a perfect audience score at early screenings, so Marvel could have nailed it once more. The prospect of a third sequel were uncertain, but it has now been confirmed that Guardians of the Galaxy 3 will happen.
Gunn was asked about the future of the Guardians whilst talking to Complex about his recent film The Belko Experiment. He confirmed the threequel was going to happen, adding that he’s currently figuring out his own involvement.
“There will be a Guardians 3, that’s for sure. We’re trying to figure it out. I’m trying to figure out what I want to do really, that’s all it is. I got to figure out where I want to be, what I want to spend the next three years of my life doing. You know, I’m going to make another big movie; is it the Guardians or something else? I’m just going to figure it out over the next couple of weeks.”
Having previously stated there were no ‘real plans’ for a third movie, Gunn confirming one has already changed things. He also has been open about how grueling this process has been; beginning development for Vol. 2 right after the first film hit the screen. A project like this will yet again consume a few years of his life, and this intense workload still comes across as a feeling that holds him back from possibly directing a third film.
Even so, the Guardians have very much been a cinematic child of Gunn’s, and it is likely that he will see it through to a third film at least. He stated plans were drawn to stretch ‘well past the first film’, and Kevin Feige expressed the Guardians were an integral part of the MCU moving forward, suggesting a third Guardians of the Galaxy flick could be one of the first films of phase 4.
With or without Gunn at the helm, Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is happening. Gunn will likely be involved at least to the capacity of a producer or assist with the bones of the story, after all he will be an executive producer in Avengers: Infinity War. Will Gunn hand over responsibility of his galactic children to someone else, or will he stick it out for one more film? Fans would surely warmly welcome whatever role he has to offer, not least the one where he occupies the director’s chair.
Guardians of the Galaxy 3 has no release date. Catch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 May 5th 2017.