James Gunn on Monday announced he will return to write and direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
In a lengthy Facebook post on Monday, Gunn talks about the tricky nature of sequels and why he felt now was the right time to reveal the news.
Gunn said:
In the end, my love for Rocket, Groot, Gamora, Star-Lord, Yondu, Mantis, Drax, and Nebula—and some of the other forthcoming heroes—goes deeper than you guys can possibly imagine, and I feel they have more adventures to go on and things to learn about themselves and the wonderful and sometimes terrifying universe we all inhabit. And, like in both Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, we will work on creating the story that goes beyond what you expect.
We’re just a few weeks away from the release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and chatter suggests early screenings tested through the roof. The film looks like a ton of fun, and it appears Gunn doesn’t want it to stop. First, however, we’ll see them pop up in Avengers: Infinity War; Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will come after, perhaps to lead a new phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Gunn added:
Much of what happened in the MCU for the past ten or so years has been leading, in a big way, to the Avengers’ Infinity War. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will happen after all that. It will conclude the story of this iteration of the Guardians of the Galaxy, and help catapult both old and new Marvel characters into the next ten years and beyond.
Gunn seems genuinely excited for what’s to come
There’s a contagious passion and enthusiasm in Gunn’s words, which has us very excited for what’s to come. And, by him announcing he’ll return to the franchise, he won’t have to answer (as many) questions about whether or not he’ll return.
“I promise you, the fans, I’ll do it all with integrity and love and respect for the characters,” Gunn wrote.
We believe him.
Gunn’s appointment as director puts him in hallowed company. Like the Russo Brothers (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, and Avengers: Infinity War), this will be Gunn’s third movie in the MCU.
Considering the first Guardians of the Galaxy is considered among the best movies the MCU has to offer, the franchise is certainly in good hands. But first thing’s first: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 comes out on May 5.