Why Miley Cyrus was recast in Guardians of the Galaxy 3

Guardians of the Galaxy 3 featured a massive roster of actors and characters. Besides the OG Guardians, viewers witnessed multiple new characters, along with several cameos from James Gunn’s friends and family. Vol. 3 also brought back the original Ravagers team that was reunited in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

Sylvester Stallone returned as Stakar Ogord, aka Starhawk, while Michael Rosenbaum’s Martinex was also seen alongside Krugarr and Mainframe (the artificial intelligence and a leader of Mainframe Ravager Clan). However, this time around, Mainframe was not voiced by Miley Cyrus as she was recast for an unknown reason. However, James Gunn did give a hint for why the popular singer didn’t return.

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The recast of Mainframe in Guardians of the Galaxy 3 saw the return of another MCU voiceactor

James Gunn recently held a “Yes&No” Q&A where he answered several questions that the fans had about Guardians of the Galaxy 3. One of the fans asked Gunn if Mainframe was recast because Cyrus was "not able to reprise her role from Guardians 2," to which Gunn simply replied with a “Yes!”

James Gunn’s reply to a fan question (Image via James Gunn’s Twitter)

Fans didn’t get any clarification for why Cyrus could not reprise her MCU role. However, the fact that she was “not able to” return could mean that either the day of recording her line(s) didn’t fit her schedule, or perhaps she lost interest in playing the character since the role was too small.

Back in 2017, when fans first heard that the former Disney star will voice in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Gunn told Buzzfeed why he initially hired Miley Cyrus. He said:

"I find her funny and likable and sweet. I liked that she cared about the contestants. So we contacted her, and she said yes. She came in and recorded, and she was a delight to work with."

Since Gunn was the one who cast her in the first place, viewers can be sure that he wouldn’t have wanted to recast the character. Hence, one of the two aforementioned reasons could have prevented the return of Miley Cyrus in Guardians of the Galaxy 3.

Tara Strong, known for her role in Loki, confirmed her appearance in the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (Image via Getty)

Instead of her, fans of the franchise heard voiceover specialist Tara Strong’s voice behind Mainframe. She also voiced the infamous Loki character Miss Minutes. Moreover, fans were surprised to see her appear on the Red Carpet of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, where she revealed that she might have a role in the film. She said:

"Well, I might be in it, It's not Miss Minutes. I can't say who it is, or I could, but then I'd have to prune you, I'm going to turn back time with Miss Minutes."

Shortly after this statement of secrecy, Guardians 3 leaks revealed that Tara Strong would be voicing Mainframe in the film.

Stakar Ogord's Ravagers Team (Image via Marvel)

In other news, the return of Sylvester Stallone’s Ravagers team was a welcome sight for the fans who had been wondering where these characters went after Vol. 2. Besides the four aforementioned Ravagers, viewers missed out on two of them, including Ving Rhames’ Charlie-27 and Michelle Yeoh’s Aleta Ogord. However, the reason why their characters didn’t return for the film wasn’t revealed either.

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Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is currently playing in theaters.