In August 2014, Marvel took what many considered to be one of its biggest risks with the introduction of the Guardians of the Galaxy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1.
Despite predictions that the film would be Marvel’s first big flop, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 exceeded all expectations to become one of Marvel’s most successful franchises leading Marvel to quickly greenlight additional films and incorporate the characters in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
While we know a third film in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise is in development with a 2023 release in place, the future of the franchise beyond the upcoming third film is starting to become more and more uncertain.
Is there going to be a Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 4 movie?
Although director James Gunn has told fans to never say never, he doesn’t appear to have any current plans to make Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 4. Instead, Gunn’s plan seems to be for the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise to come to an end with the franchise’s upcoming third film.
When asked about the likelihood of a fourth Guardians film and whether Gunn would be interested in returning as director, Gunn seemed to suggest that his vision is to bring the storyline introduced in the first film to an end in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
“Never say never, but I see Vol 3 as the end of the Guardians’ story I started telling back with Vol 1,“ Gunn candidly told an inquiring fan on Twitter, reaffirming a stance he’s taken in previous interviews.
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 4 cast
Should Marvel find a way to convince James Gunn to continue the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise beyond Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, it’s unclear who from the original cast might return for the film. However, there is one cast member we can confirm isn’t likely to suit back up for another go-around with the Guardians.
Actor Dave Bautista, who has played Drax the Destroyer since the Guardians’ introduction in the MCU in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1, has announced he plans on stepping away from the franchise following Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 citing his age as the reason for leaving the role behind.
Drax isn’t going anywhere. He just won’t be played by this dude! 🤷🏻♂️by the time G3 comes out I’ll be 54 yrs old for gods sake! 😱 im expecting everything to start sagging any second now. 😂 https://t.co/eRJR6ZPtE2
— Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) May 8, 2021
As for Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan and Pom Klementieff? It remains unclear whether any of the franchise’s key performers would be interested in returning to the MCU beyond the third Guardians of the Galaxy film.
Are you disappointed to hear that there don’t seem to be any plans for a Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4 film in place and that Dave Bautista will not be returning should a fourth film be ordered?