Throughout the years, audiences have watched many characters retire, die, or be forgotten in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, we're at that point in the franchise where it feels like anyone could come back at any moment.
With the Multiverse Saga coming to an end, Marvel will release two Avengers movies that will feature the appearance of characters whose time seemed to be over. The X-Men from the 20th Century Fox era will jump into action one last time, and multiple rumors indicate that people who perished, like the Scarlet Witch, will make a return.
Of course, heroes who have been inactive for years are also great candidates to show up in the upcoming crossovers. Marvel has already confirmed that Shang-Chi and Steve Rogers, who haven't been seen on the big screen in over five years at the very least, will be back. But as if that wasn't enough, an MCU actor has confirmed that we'll see more of his character, even though he's already hung up the cape.
Chris Pratt confirms Star-Lord will return in the MCU
Three years ago, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 ended with one promise: "The Legendary Star-Lord Will Return." This message appeared right after fans watched Peter Quill say goodbye to the Guardians of the Galaxy in favor of living a simpler life on Earth with his grandfather. However, superheroes can have anything but a simple life, and Peter will soon realize that.
During an interview with The Playlist, Chris Pratt confirmed that we'll see more of Star-Lord in the future:
"I have a great relationship with Kevin [Feige] and Lou [D'Esposito], and there have been both ongoing conversations about how we make good on that promise and also hard action taken to make sure that we make good on that promise. So yeah, you'll see Star-Lord again, which is very exciting, but I'm not at liberty to say when that's going to be, but he's not going anywhere."
While Chris Pratt didn't reveal when we'll see Star-Lord again, there are a few likely scenarios. First and foremost, leaked Avengers: Doomsday concept art pictured Peter Quill with the Young Avengers / Champions and White Vision. As such, it's very likely that all of these characters will come together later this year. Granted, it's important to remember that Marvel movies are constantly shifting and changing. But in the worst-case scenario, their appearance would likely be pushed back to Avengers: Secret Wars.
Multiple reports also indicate that the Guardians of the Galaxy will appear in Avengers: Doomsday, so it's very likely that Marvel will try to reunite them with Peter Quill for one last ride. The only question remaining is: How will all these characters re-enter the fold? So far, none of them have been really involved in the overarching Multiversal arc. Moreover, the Guardians are unlikely to be aware of the events unfolding on Earth, and Peter's days as a superhero are seemingly over, so why would he jump back into action?
There are two potential theories. For starters, the Guardians may be aware of the "space crisis" that was mentioned in the post-credits scene of Thunderbolts*. By investigating it, they could meet with other heroes like Captain Marvel or even the New Avengers themselves. On the other hand, there's also a chance that a sudden fight or confrontation on Earth may get Peter's attention, and he'll be the one to contact the Guardians for help.
Regardless of how Star-Lord returns to the big screen, it's nice to know Marvel won't simply set the character aside as the end of the Multiverse Saga unfolds. And with a little bit of luck, he'll join Earth's Mightiest Heroes on their upcoming adventure later this year.
Avengers: Doomsday will be released on Dec. 18, 2026.
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