James Gunn has defended his creative approach to the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, challenging studio pressure despite the popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, the director explained that he was against the MCU’s connected timeline after observing how Thor joined the Guardians in a post-credits scene of Avengers: Endgame. This decision marked a turning point for Gunn, who argued that the individual development of his characters and their story should not be subordinated to a broader narrative framework. A disagreement […]
James Gunn has defended his creative approach to the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, challenging studio pressure despite the popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, the director explained that he was against the MCU’s connected timeline after observing how Thor joined the Guardians in a post-credits scene of Avengers: Endgame. This decision marked a turning point for Gunn, who argued that the individual development of his characters and their story should not be subordinated to a broader narrative framework.
A misunderstanding that didn’t escalate
“I said at that moment that I didn’t want the Guardians of the Galaxy to become part of a bigger spectacle,” Gunn commented. This conviction reflects his desire to maintain the integrity of his work, thus facing the studio’s expectations that sought a deeper interconnection between the different characters and plots of the MCU. Throughout his work, Gunn has insisted on telling stories that focus on the emotion and character of his heroes, rather than following a crossover narrative that could dilute their uniqueness.
Gunn’s visibility on this issue highlights the often-existing tensions between creatives and executives within large Hollywood franchises. The director’s defense can be seen as an attempt to preserve the essence of the Guardians of the Galaxy narrative, emphasizing the value of individual creativity in an environment where shared stories are becoming increasingly common. The future of the franchise will be marked by these decisions, which seek to balance the studio’s desire to connect universes and the director’s need to maintain a unique artistic voice.
With the upcoming release of Guardians of the Galaxy promising more surprises, the community of fans and critics will closely follow the development of the narrative and how Gunn will choose to navigate the complex web of the MCU.
In a cinematic world where special effects and destruction often steal the spotlight, Godzilla: Minus One has shown that true emotional impact comes from well-written characters and internal conflicts. The film, recognized in 2023 with an Oscar for Best Visual Effects, has been praised for its focus on human drama, exceeding the expectations of fans of the iconic Toho franchise. Godzilla: Minus One is an absolutely brilliant film. Director Takashi Yamazaki has achieved a remarkable balance in this installment between Kaiju action and character development, […]
In a cinematic world where special effects and destruction often steal the spotlight, Godzilla: Minus One has shown that true emotional impact comes from well-written characters and internal conflicts. The film, recognized in 2023 with an Oscar for Best Visual Effects, has been praised for its focus on human drama, exceeding the expectations of fans of the iconic Toho franchise.
Godzilla: Minus One is an absolutely brilliant movie
Director Takashi Yamazaki has achieved a remarkable balance in this installment between the action of the Kaijus and the development of its characters, which has led critics and viewers to feel emotionally connected to the plot. This approach has had such an impact that James Gunn, known for his work on the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, has admitted that the film has been a major source of inspiration for his upcoming DC universe production, Superman.
Gunn has emphasized the need to prioritize character development and human drama in his films, ensuring that this strategy will also be reflected in the new portrayal of the Man of Steel, which will include a Kaiju as the antagonist. The release date for Superman is set for July 11, 2025, generating great excitement among fans of the genre.
As the DC universe prepares to reinvent itself under Gunn’s direction, expectations are high. His previous track record of prioritizing heart and characters in his narrative suggests that the film could become a benchmark for the summer movie season of 2025. With the precedents of Godzilla: Minus One and the promise of a focus on human drama, the gaming and film community has compelling reasons to anticipate the next big Superman release.
Vin Diesel, known for his iconic role in the Fast & Furious saga and his participation in the Marvel universe, has hinted at his possible return as Groot in a future project. During a recent conversation about his upcoming work, Diesel mentioned that he is involved in several projects scheduled for 2025, including one that focuses on the fascinating concept of Planet X. Vin Diesel could be back as Groot sooner rather than later. The actor, who has lent his voice to the beloved character Groot in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, suggests that Disney might be looking for […]
Vin Diesel, known for his iconic role in the Fast & Furious saga and his participation in the Marvel universe, has hinted at his possible return as Groot in a future project. During a recent conversation about his upcoming work, Diesel mentioned that he is involved in several projects scheduled for 2025, including one that focuses on the fascinating concept of Planet X.
Vin Diesel could return as Groot sooner rather than later
The actor, who has lent his voice to the beloved character Groot in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, suggests that Disney may be looking to explore this universe more deeply. In his comments, Diesel stated: “Disney wants its Planet X, and I’m very excited about what’s coming”. This statement has sparked speculation about the direction that future Marvel installments could take and how the character of Groot might fit into that narrative.
While there are currently no concrete details about the new project, the mention of Diesel has fueled excitement among fans. It is worth noting that Groot is a beloved character in the hearts of Marvel followers, making Diesel’s possible return to this role a topic of interest. Recent rumors suggest that the studio is considering a broader story involving Groot and other characters linked to the Marvel cosmos.
In addition to the Planet X project, Diesel is also working on various productions set to be released in 2025, which indicates that the actor is in a prolific moment of his career. The details about the projects he is involved in are still scarce, but his enthusiasm for continuing to work in the Marvel universe is evident. As more details are revealed, fans will undoubtedly be on the lookout for any announcements related to their beloved character Groot.
Actor Dave Bautista, known for his portrayal of Drax the Destroyer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has shared his thoughts on his future in the world of superheroes. In a recent interview, Bautista expressed his willingness to reprise his beloved version of the character in Guardians of the Galaxy, as long as director James Gunn requests it. However, he also emphasized that he feels the character of Drax has run its course. Bautista, open to playing other comic book characters Throughout his career in the MCU, Bautista has been a […]
Actor Dave Bautista, known for his portrayal of Drax the Destroyer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has shared his thoughts on his future in the world of superheroes. In a recent interview, Bautista expressed his willingness to reprise his beloved version of the character in Guardians of the Galaxy, as long as director James Gunn requests it. However, he also emphasized that he feels the character of Drax has run its course.
Bautista, open to interpreting other comic characters
Throughout his journey in the MCU, Bautista has been a charismatic ambassador for the character, whose humor and strength have made him a favorite among fans. However, the actor seems ready to explore new horizons. According to his own words, Bautista would be interested in playing another comic-based character, suggesting a possible transition to other roles in the universe of superhero adaptations.
“Drax has come a long way,” Bautista stated. “He has had his time, and I think there are other characters that could be fascinating to explore”. This stance raises questions about Drax’s future, especially at a time when the MCU is expanding its narrative towards new characters and stories.
On the other hand, his willingness to return could open the doors to a future collaboration with Gunn, who has been a key figure in shaping Drax’s character on screen. As Marvel continues to evolve, fans will be watching not only for the possibility of seeing Bautista as Drax again, but also for what other roles he could play in an increasingly diverse cinematic context.
Es por eso que, ya sin James Gunn, hay que pensar en otros Guardianes de la Galaxia. En las posibilidades que tiene tanto el grupo como sus personajes de aparecer en sus propias películas para extender su legado. Además de su éxito de taquilla. Por eso es importante recalcar que a partir de aquí son todo elucubraciones de lo que podría ser, pero también que este artículo tiene algún que otro spoiler que quizás no quiera conocer quien no haya visto la tercera entrega de la saga. Dicho eso, sumerjámonos en las diferentes posibilidades que nos ofrecen nuestros héroes favoritos de este lado de la galaxia, pero más allá de este lado de la capa de ozono.
Los nuevos Guardianes de la Galaxia
Si bien es cierto que la última película acaba con los guardianes separando sus caminos, quedando Rocket como el nuevo líder del grupo, eso no significa que dejen de existir. En la escena de mitad de los créditos nos muestran a los nuevos miembros de los Guardianes, que además de Rocket y un Groot adulto, también incluyen a Cosmo, Kraglin, Adam Warlock, Phyla-Vell y la mascota de Warlock, Blurp. Incluso obviando que Blurp se merece su propia película, serie de animación, línea de juguetes y exitosa carrera a la presidencia de los estados unidos, la propia película ya nos invita a creer que ahí está el futuro de los Guardianes. Aparecen en una escena en mitad de los créditos. Tienen una nueva misión. Hay una mezcla de caras nuevas y antiguas. Incluso hay una mascota adorable. Lo tienen fácil para continuar.
El problema es el que ya tenían antes. ¿Cómo continuar tras James Gunn? Las comparaciones son odiosas, pero son los Guardianes de la Galaxia. Se les va a comparar. Encontrar un director con tanta personalidad como Gunn resultará difícil, y si bien es posible concebir esta alineación de los Guardianes como aún más exitosa y carismática que la anterior, resulta difícil concebir qué director puede trabajar ahora mismo con Marvel Studios para estar a la altura de lo que hizo Gunn con la anterior iteración del grupo.
Una Mantis muy legal
Aunque ha ido ganando en peso dramático, Mantis no es el personaje con más desarrollo entre los Guardianes en las películas. Basándose en ser una empática que no entiende a los demás y una luchadora experta, pero que no está al nivel de los demás, se queda a medio camino entre el papel cómico que se le busca dar en la película y el papel de consejera que tiene en los cómics. Por otro lado, teniendo en cuenta que en los cómics en origen empezó siendo un estereotipo asiático racista y sólo después paso a ser una suerte de mediadora entre todos los demás personajes del grupo, es de agradecer que Gunn decidiera hacer cambios bruscos al personaje.
El problema es que, si como dice Pom Klementieff, actriz que hace de Mantis, nadie puede escribir a Mantis como lo hace Gunn, es porque se siente como si el personaje aún le faltara algo para terminar de tener una personalidad propia más allá de los dos rasgos distintivos que tiene. Pero ahí está el potencial de un spinoff. Acabando la tercera entrega yéndose en un viaje de autodescubrimiento, Marvel Studios lo tiene fácil: deben hacer una serie o una película que sea una parodia de las chick-flick. Si alguna vez han estado cerca de tener su propia Bridget Jones o Una rubia muy legal es aprovechando a Mantis y poniéndola en un contexto donde tenga que aprender a relacionarse con otros seres humanos que no estén dispuestos a entenderla. Y que, con su bondad y empatía, acabe ganándoselos. Una historia que quizás los fans de Guardianes de la Galaxia creen que no es lo que quieren, pero es exactamente lo que necesitan.
Gamora y los Devastadores
Con Gamora ni siquiera hay dudas de lo que deben hacer. Gamora acaba volviendo con los Devastadores y con ellos debería seguir. Esta es la opción más segura para hacer una serie o una película que se sienta como Guardianes de la Galaxia, pero que tenga su propio estilo y su propio tono. Alejarse un poco del humor, que pueden aportarlo los secundarios en forma de los Devastadores siendo unos chapuzas con oneliners graciosos, y centrarse en lo que las películas siempre nos han querido demostrar, pero que quizás no siempre han sabido mostrarnos: que Gamora es una asesina profesional, pero también es una mujer con un corazón de oro.
De ese modo, tienen ahí su segundo Mandaloriano. Si una regla de los Devastadores es que no roban a otros Devastadores y no trafican con niños, que tengan que huir de otros Devastadores o que tengan que proteger a uno o varios niños es la opción más fácil para construir su propia historia. Deben hacer una historia sobre criminales con corazón de oro buscando su lugar en el espacio, haciendo las cosas mejor que los gobiernos que han abandonado a su gente. Algo que se siente como los Guardianes, pero que pueden asumir una forma más familiar para el público de Disney+.
Los (nuevos) antiguos Guardianes de la Galaxia
La primera iteración de los Guardianes de la Galaxia fue un éxito a medias en el cómic. Vance Astro, Martinex T’Naga, Captain Charlie-27 y Yondu Udonta fueron personajes que funcionaron en los números individuales en los que aparecieron, pero no cuando les dieron una colección propia. Ahora bien, ¿por qué no darles su propia miniserie para ver cómo funcionan?
Aquí la idea es sencilla. Nostalgia. Yondu recuerda algo que nunca le ha dicho: los Guardianes de la Galaxia existieron mucho antes de que él naciera, siendo Yondu parte de los mismos. Con un estilo retro, con escenarios de cartón piedra, amenazas intergalácticas con disfraces de goma y efectos especiales prácticos, podría ser una serie con mucho encanto si se abraza desde la sinvergonzonería y el concepto que debe pensarse: estamos en los recuerdos de Yondu. Por supuesto que en su cabeza todo ocurrió de la manera más pulp, barata y favorecedora para él que seamos capaces de imaginar. Y si partimos de esa premisa, volver a los Guardianes de la Galaxia del 69 suena como algo que podría ser increíble.
El legendario Star-Lord
Ahora toca poner los pies en el suelo. Disney y Marvel Studios arriesgan poco, pero además suelen telegrafiar cuáles son sus intenciones. Ya nos han dejado caer que los Guardianes siguen con Rocket, pero también, en la escena poscréditos, hemos sabido de Peter Quill. Porque la película acaba diciéndonos, explícitamente, que «El legendario Star-Lord regresará».
Por eso no es atrevido decir que podemos esperar la vuelta de Star Lord en uno u otro momento. Chris Pratt gusta dentro de Marvel y se le atribuye al menos parte del éxito de la franquicia, por lo cual sería extraño que no le volviéramos a ver. Especialmente cuando la propia escena postcréditos nos lo indica. Si será una película, una serie o simplemente alguna clase de especial o un cameo, es algo que queda por ver. En cualquier caso, lo que sí parece evidente es que los Guardianes de la Galaxia tienen cuerda para rato, si Marvel quiere y sabe explotarlos sin James Gunn a los mandos, ya sea con o sin Peter Quill. Sólo el tiempo dirá si volveremos a visitar el espacio con el grupo de héroes menos heroico de la galaxia.
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That’s why, now without James Gunn, we have to think about other Guardians of the Galaxy. In the possibilities for both the group and its characters to appear in their own films to extend their legacy. In addition to their box office success. That’s why it’s important to stress that from here on out it’s all lucubrations of what could be, but also that this article has the occasional spoiler that anyone who hasn’t seen the third installment of the saga might not want to know about. That said, let’s dive into the different possibilities offered by our favorite heroes on this side of the galaxy, but beyond this side of the ozone layer.
The new Guardians of the Galaxy
While it’s true that the last film ends with the Guardians parting ways, with Rocket remaining as the new leader of the group, that doesn’t mean they cease to exist. In the mid-credits scene we are shown the new members of the Guardians, which in addition to Rocket and an adult Groot, also include Cosmo, Kraglin, Adam Warlock, Phyla-Vell and Warlock’s pet, Blurp. Even obviating that Blurp deserves his own movie, animated series, toy line and successful run for president of the United States, the movie itself already invites us to believe that therein lies the future of the Guardians. They appear in a mid-credits scene. They have a new mission. There is a mix of new and old faces. There’s even an adorable mascot. They have an easy time moving on.
The problem is the one they had before. How to continue after James Gunn? Comparisons are odious, but it’s Guardians of the Galaxy. They are going to be compared. Finding a director with as much personality as Gunn will prove difficult, and while it’s possible to conceive of this lineup of Guardians as even more successful and charismatic than the last, it’s hard to conceive of what director can work right now with Marvel Studios to live up to what Gunn did with the previous iteration of the group.
A very legal Mantis
Although she has been gaining dramatic weight, Mantis is not the most developed character among the Guardians in the films. Based on being an empath who does not understand the others and an expert fighter, but who is not at the level of the others, she remains halfway between the comic role that is sought to give her in the film and the role of advisor that she has in the comics. On the other hand, considering that in the comics she originally started out as a racist Asian stereotype and only later became a sort of mediator between all the other characters in the group, it is to be welcomed that Gunn decided to make abrupt changes to the character.
The problem is that, if as Pom Klementieff, actress who plays Mantis, says, no one can write Mantis the way Gunn does, it’s because it feels like the character is still missing something to finish having a personality of her own beyond the two distinctive traits she has. But therein lies the potential for a spinoff. With the third installment ending and going on a journey of self-discovery, Marvel Studios has it easy: they should make a series or movie that’s a chick-flick parody. If they’ve ever come close to having their own Bridget Jones or A Very Legal Blonde it’s by taking advantage of Mantis and putting her in a context where she has to learn to relate to other humans who are unwilling to understand her. And that, with her kindness and empathy, she ends up winning them over. A story that perhaps Guardians of the Galaxy fans think is not what they want, but it is exactly what they need.
Gamora and the Devastators
With Gamora there’s not even a question of what they should do. Gamora ends up going back to the Devastators and with them it should continue. This is the safest option to make a series or movie that feels like Guardians of the Galaxy, but has its own style and its own tone. Move away from the humor a bit, which can be provided by the sidekicks in the form of the Devastators being bumblers with funny oneliners, and focus on what the movies have always wanted to show us, but maybe haven’t always known how to show us: that Gamora is a professional assassin, but she’s also a woman with a heart of gold.
In that way, they have their second Mandalorian there. If a rule of the Devastators is that they don’t steal from other Devastators and they don’t traffic in children, that they have to run from other Devastators or have to protect one or more children is the easiest choice to build their own story around. They should make a story about criminals with hearts of gold looking for their place in space, making things better than governments that have abandoned their people. Something that feels like Guardians, but they can take on a more familiar form for Disney+ audiences.
The (new) old Guardians of the Galaxy
The first iteration of the Guardians of the Galaxy was a half-hearted success in the comic. Vance Astro, Martinex T’Naga, Captain Charlie-27 and Yondu Udonta were characters that worked in the individual issues they appeared in, but not when they were given a collection of their own. Now, why not give them their own miniseries to see how they work?
The idea here is simple. Nostalgia. Yondu remembers something he’s never told you: the Guardians of the Galaxy existed long before he was born, Yondu being a part of them. Retro-styled, with papier-mâché sets, intergalactic threats in rubber costumes and practical special effects, it could be a series with a lot of charm if embraced from the shamelessness and the concept to be thought of: we’re in Yondu’s memories. Of course in his head it all happened in the most pulp, cheap and flattering way for him that we are able to imagine. And if we start from that premise, going back to ’69 Guardians of the Galaxy sounds like something that could be awesome.
The legendary Star-Lord
Now it’s time to put our feet on the ground. Disney and Marvel Studios take few risks, but they also tend to telegraph their intentions. They have already let us know that the Guardians are still with Rocket, but also, in the post-credits scene, we have learned about Peter Quill. Because the movie ends by telling us, explicitly, that “The legendary Star-Lord will return.”
So it is not bold to say that we can expect Star Lord’s return at one time or another. Chris Pratt is liked within Marvel and is credited with at least part of the franchise’s success, so it would be strange if we didn’t see him again. Especially when the post-credits scene itself tells us so. Whether it will be a movie, a series, or just some sort of special or cameo, remains to be seen. In any case, what does seem clear is that the Guardians of the Galaxy have a long run, if Marvel wants and knows how to exploit them without James Gunn at the controls, either with or without Peter Quill. Only time will tell if we will revisit space with the least heroic group of heroes in the galaxy.
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Guardians of the Galaxy comes to an end and we take the opportunity to recount its entire history, from the comics to this third installment.
The cycle of life is inevitable. Fashions come to an end. Living things pass away. Even franchises we all love need to end, or at least take a break. So while it may be disappointing to many, the end of Guardians of the Galaxy is here. And while it’s true that if there’s one thing the comics and the MCU have shown us, it’s that you never say this story is over or this character is already dead, it’s not a bad time to reminisce about everything the franchise is so beloved for. Even assuming the comics weren’t exactly popular or well known.
First appearing in January 1969 in Marvel Super-Heroes #18, the Guardians of the Galaxy were created by Arnold Drake on script and Gene Colan on pencils. Consisting of Vance Astro, Martinex T’Naga, Captain Charlie-27 and Yondu Udonta, the group had fairly solid sales in this first issue, but would not appear again until five years later in June 1974 in Marvel Two-In-One #5. The writer of the story, Steve Gerber, liked them so much that he introduced them in a joint story with the Defenders in his issues between June and November 1975, something that eventually earned them their own collection in February 1976.
Ironically, the series was a complete failure. With barely ten issues to its credit, neither Gerberg’s first run nor Roger Stern’s last issues managed to make a collection that did not arouse any interest among the public.
Over the years there were several attempts to resurrect them, using them here and there, but they never really caught on with the public. At least until May 2008, after the events of Annihilation: Conquest, they relaunched the collection with a team with a completely different line-up. After an unprecedented war, Star-Lord decides to create a team of interstellar heroes to prevent a similar situation from happening again. To do so, he recruits Adam Warlock, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon and Groot, with Mantin as a supporting member. Being particularly popular during the Brian Michael Bendis era, this formation will be the one that will shape the composition we see in the movies. Which drink much more from these comics than they have generally been recognized.
What James Gunn did with the comics is to take the Brian Michael Bendis stage and dye it in his colors. The director came from making moderately successful, irreverent, and rock ‘n’ roll independent films, and his intention in making the film was to look very much at the science fiction of the 70s and 80s, while respecting at all times what the comic book series were doing at the time. That is why it should not surprise us that among his main influences he declares films like Flash Gordon, Farscape or Star Wars, the video game Mass Effect, or within the undeclared influences, the movie Barbarella. With all this, along with doses of eighties music, he wanted to play with a particular idea: to give the feeling that Guardians of the Galaxy is a classic adventure film, more distant from modern superhero movies. Even if it followed closely what they did.
In fact, it’s more having to be an MCU movie than James Gunn’s artistic identity that takes the films further away from what happens in the comics. While Peter Quill is essentially the same character, Gamora in the comics has the same character, but has more facets as a character, having a softer side and a much more violent and savage side, making her a more layered character than what we’ve seen in the movies. Similarly, Drax in the comics is a more complex and less humorous character, who actually had powers like the ability to fly or the ability to detect Thanos, but over time he lost them to match the comic book character and the movie character.
That doesn’t take away from the fact that the movies know how to do their bit. Guardians of the Galaxy is a charming adventure about how a ragtag group of misfits with nothing in common except having a pile of traumas that prevent them from trusting anyone, eventually learn to trust each other. The second, while focusing perhaps too much on the particular conflicts between the members of the group for comic effect, delves into the history of Peter Quill to develop an interesting and iconic story from the comics, where we discover his origins and why his own ancestry can be a problem for him and the entire galaxy. All this accompanied by a nostalgic factor that has always been talked about in musical terms, for how it makes use of the music of the 80s for the mixes that the mother made for Peter before being abducted, but that are also in the more than obvious references and parodies that are made to the science fiction cinema of that same era, as we have already pointed out above.
The success of the franchise has been such that it has even had its own video game. With a moderate critical and public success, it is a good adventure game, fun, that closely follows the ideas developed in the movies and that, to some extent, manages to better preserve the identity of the Guardians of the Galaxy than Volume 2 of the movies.
Similarly, on November 25 last year, a television special written and directed by James Gunn called The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special premiered on Disney+, where the Guardians attempt to prepare for Christmas, creating a real mess in the process. Charming, funny and following in the wake of the previous two films, this special doesn’t do anything special with the characters, but tells a funny Christmas story that would have fit perfectly as the classic Christmas special of any 80s or 90s sitcom from which this particular TV special drinks from, and lovingly parodies.
Now with James Gunn in the distinguished competition, it’s hard to see how it’s possible to see a fourth installment of Guardians of the Galaxy without him. The director’s colors and identity are all over the franchise, and it’s something that has been evident even in his DC projects like Suicide Squad and Peacemaker. Which is why it’s hard to believe there will be more Guardians of the Galaxy after this third installment. Or not in the short or medium term.
So what should we expect from this third installment? Probably exactly everything we’ve already said. To follow much more closely the Guardians of the Galaxy comics of Bendis’ era than he’s ever been credited for, to make an endearing parody of the sound and visual culture of the 80s with all the elements of the movie, and to give this ragtag group of psychopaths and victims of circumstance the ending they deserve. The hero recognition they reap at the end of each of their adventures. The reminder that they are a family, despite improbable circumstances. Because that’s what Guardians of the Galaxy is all about. That despite everything, that no matter what happens, we are family and we have each other. Because when you’ve survived as many cancellations as this group has, how can you believe that they won’t come back sooner or later?
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