Will Guardians of the Galaxy 4 happen? Everything we know so far

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 brought the current lineup of Guardians together one last time. Even though James Gunn retired from the MCU, he ended his trilogy in a way that if Marvel wanted to make another Guardians-centred movie, then they could do so effortlessly and bring everyone back.

And, even if some retired actors such as Dave Bautista and Zoe Saldana didn’t want to return, Gunn has given the franchise a brand-new cast that might carry it forward if a fourth film is approved and a different director takes the helm.

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James Gunn reveals the possibility of Guardians of the Galaxy 4

James Gunn talks about Guardians 4 (Image via Marvel)

In an interview with Esquire Middle East, Gunn revealed that we surely won’t get a Volume 4 as the original Guardians roster will not reunite. However, there could still be more Guardians movies with the powerful new roster that was assembled in the mid-credits scene of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. He said:

“I don’t think there will ever be a 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4.' There’s many reasons this group will not be back. There could be more 'Guardians' movies, but it won’t be with this group.”

Gunn further emphasized that he’d love to see another Guardians movie led by Bradley Cooper’s Rocket Raccoon. He continued:

“I think as long as somebody brings themselves to it, and doesn’t just try to copy that style—I think it can be really amazing. And there’s so many directors I would like to do that. And I would love to see it happen.”

This is a notion that has been common amongst multiple Marvel executives.

Marvel Studios' Louis D'Esposito, who has been an executive producer on all Marvel movies also reiterated that Vol. 3 doesn’t necessarily mark the end of the Guardians franchise. It could be looked at as a new beginning for a new team of cosmic heroes.

But it’s important to note that Disney/Marvel might only make the way for another Guardians outing if Vol. 3’s box office numbers are close to the first two movies. It has had a strong opening which could deliver great results. But it could also turn into another Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania if its second-weekend numbers aren’t strong.

In that case, we may not see Guardians of the Galaxy 4. Instead, the new roster of Guardians would return in other crossover projects.

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Every Guardian that could return

Guardians 3's new team (Image via Marvel)

The mid-credits scene of Guardians 3 revealed a new line-up of Guardians 2.0, which will be led by Rocket Raccoon. His most obvious right-hand individual will be the gigantic Alpha Groot. Sean Gunn’s Kraglin also stays as a Guardian after perfecting Yondu’s Yaka arrow. Along with him, Maria Bakalova’s Cosmo the “Good” Spacedog also continues to be a part of the team.

To further strengthen the squad, Adam comes in as the strongest character as he gets a chance to redeem himself. He brings along his alien pet Blurp to increase the cuteness quotient. But most importantly, Phyla becomes the newest member of Guardians 2.0.

All seven of these characters will be back if and when Marvel approves another Guardians of the Galaxy project.

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When Guardians of the Galaxy 4 could release

The new team of Guardians (Image via Marvel)

As mentioned above, there is a possibility that we won’t get Guardians 4 if Vol. 3 doesn’t turn out to be a profitable entry. But assuming that it will, we might see another Guardians outing post Avengers: Secret Wars. The usual break between sequels is 3 years. So if Guardians of the Galaxy 4 were to be announced, then it could get slated for late 2026, or perhaps the summer of 2027.

But for that to happen, Marvel would have to build all these characters up in crossovers like Secret Wars because the new team doesn’t carry the kind of star power that could prove to be successful in a theatrical release.

Keeping that in mind, Guardians 4 could also be turned into a Disney+ series that arrives before or after Secret Wars.