Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a 2023 American superhero film written and directed by James Gunn. The film follows the Guardians as they race against time to save Rocket after his past catches up with him. It is the third main film in the Guardians of the Galaxy series and the 32nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Movie Details
| Movie Title | Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 |
|---|---|
| Original Title | Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 |
| Release Date | May 5, 2023 |
| Release Year | 2023 |
| Runtime | 150 minutes |
| Certificate / Age Rating | PG-13 |
| Status | Released |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Comedy, Science Fiction, Superhero |
| Director | James Gunn |
| Writer | James Gunn |
| Producer | Kevin Feige |
| Production Company | Marvel Studios |
| Distributor | Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures |
| Budget | $250 million |
| Box Office | $845.6 million worldwide |
Trailer
Cast
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Chris Pratt | Peter Quill / Star-Lord |
| Zoe Saldaña | Gamora |
| Dave Bautista | Drax the Destroyer |
| Karen Gillan | Nebula |
| Pom Klementieff | Mantis |
| Vin Diesel | Groot (voice) |
| Bradley Cooper | Rocket (voice) |
| Will Poulter | Adam Warlock |
| Sean Gunn | Kraglin Obfonteri / Young Rocket |
| Chukwudi Iwuji | High Evolutionary |
| Maria Bakalova | Cosmo the Spacedog (voice) |
| Elizabeth Debicki | Ayesha |
| Linda Cardellini | Lylla (voice) |
| Nathan Fillion | Master Karja |
| Sylvester Stallone | Stakar Ogord |
| Michael Rosenbaum | Martinex |
| Tara Strong | Mainframe (voice) |
| Asim Chaudhry | Teefs (voice) |
| Mikaela Hoover | Floor (voice) |
| Daniela Melchior | Ura |
| Nico Santos | Recorder Theel |
| Miriam Shor | Recorder Vim |
| Kai Zen | Phyla |
| Jennifer Holland | Administrator Kwol |
| Judy Greer | War Pig (voice) |
| Reinaldo Faberlle | Behemoth (voice) |
| Dee Bradley Baker | Blurp (voice) |
| Dane DiLiegro | Unsavory Octopus |
| Christopher Fairbank | The Broker |
| Gregg Henry | Jason Quill / Grandpa Quill |
| Seth Green | Howard the Duck (voice) |
| Michael Rooker | Yondu Udonta |
| Stephen Blackehart | Steemie |
| Rhett Miller | Bzermikitokolok |
| Jared Gore | Krugarr |
| Lloyd Kaufman | Gridlemop |
| Pete Davidson | Phlektik |
| Molly C. Quinn | Ravager |
| James Gunn | Lambshank (voice) |
| Noa Raskin | Baby Rocket (voice) |
| Austin Freeman | On-set Rocket / Groot |
The film’s principal cast and additional characters are based on Marvel’s official cast information and the film’s documented cast listings.
Story / Plot
The Guardians of the Galaxy have established a new home on Knowhere, but their peaceful life is interrupted when Adam Warlock attacks them. Rocket is critically injured during the attack, and the Guardians discover that the cybernetic technology keeping him alive contains a kill switch created by his former master, the High Evolutionary.
Because Rocket’s modifications prevent conventional medical treatment, Peter Quill, Nebula, Gamora, Drax, Mantis, Groot and the rest of the team search for a way to save him. Their investigation leads them to Orgocorp and the High Evolutionary’s organization.
As the Guardians search for a solution, the movie reveals Rocket’s tragic past. He was originally an ordinary raccoon who was experimented on by the High Evolutionary. Rocket formed friendships with other test subjects, including Lylla the otter, Teefs the walrus and Floor the rabbit.
The High Evolutionary was obsessed with creating a perfect society. He experimented on animals and other species, modifying them to create what he considered superior life forms. Rocket’s intelligence eventually surpassed the High Evolutionary’s expectations, making him both a valuable experiment and a threat to his creator.
Meanwhile, the Guardians discover that the High Evolutionary has built a massive laboratory and created an artificial world called Counter-Earth. He intends to use his experiments to construct what he considers a perfect civilization.
The Guardians infiltrate the High Evolutionary’s facilities while attempting to save Rocket and rescue the creatures and children being held there. During the conflict, Rocket confronts the memories of his past and the High Evolutionary who tortured him.
Rocket eventually chooses to live rather than remain trapped by his traumatic past. The Guardians defeat the High Evolutionary’s forces and rescue the imprisoned animals and children. The High Evolutionary survives but is left aboard Knowhere’s prison after Rocket refuses to kill him.
After the battle, the original Guardians begin going in different directions. Peter Quill returns to Earth to reconnect with his grandfather. Mantis chooses to explore the galaxy on her own. Gamora returns to the Ravagers, while Nebula and Drax remain on Knowhere to care for the rescued children and help build a new community.
Rocket becomes the leader of a new Guardians team, joined by Groot, Kraglin, Cosmo, Adam Warlock and Phyla.
Ending Explained
What happens to Rocket?
Rocket is critically injured at the beginning of the film. The Guardians discover that his cybernetic implants were specifically designed by the High Evolutionary and cannot simply be removed. Rocket eventually flatlines and experiences a vision in which he encounters Lylla and his other childhood friends. Lylla tells him that his story is not over, and Rocket returns to life.
Who is the High Evolutionary?
The High Evolutionary is Rocket’s creator and the scientist responsible for many of the experiments performed on Rocket and other animals. His goal is to create what he considers a perfect society by manipulating and modifying living beings.
Why does Rocket hate the High Evolutionary?
Rocket was subjected to painful experiments by the High Evolutionary from a young age. Rocket also witnessed the deaths of his friends Lylla, Teefs and Floor after they attempted to escape. These experiences become central to Rocket’s character arc.
Does Rocket kill the High Evolutionary?
No. Rocket confronts the High Evolutionary but ultimately chooses not to kill him. The Guardians rescue the prisoners and leave the High Evolutionary behind after his defeat.
What happens to the original Guardians?
The original team separates at the end of the film. Peter Quill returns to Earth, Gamora returns to the Ravagers, Mantis begins a journey of her own, and Nebula and Drax remain on Knowhere to care for the rescued children and help build the community.
Who becomes the new leader of the Guardians?
Rocket becomes the leader of the new Guardians of the Galaxy. The new team includes Groot, Kraglin, Cosmo, Adam Warlock and Phyla.
Does Peter Quill return to Earth?
Yes. Peter returns to Earth and reunites with his grandfather, Jason Quill. He chooses to spend more time with his remaining family after years away from Earth.
What happens to Gamora?
This version of Gamora is the alternate Gamora who arrived in the present after the events of Avengers: Endgame. She does not have the same memories or relationship with Peter that the original Gamora had. At the end, she returns to the Ravagers.
What happens to Mantis?
Mantis decides to leave the Guardians and find her own purpose. She takes control of a group of giant alien creatures that had been held by the High Evolutionary.
What happens to Nebula and Drax?
Nebula and Drax remain on Knowhere. They choose to help care for the children rescued from the High Evolutionary and help develop Knowhere into a community.
Post-Credits Scenes
1. The New Guardians of the Galaxy
The first credits scene introduces the new Guardians team. Rocket leads the group alongside Groot, Kraglin, Cosmo, Adam Warlock and Phyla. They are shown preparing to protect a group of civilians from an approaching threat.
2. Peter Quill on Earth
The final post-credits scene shows Peter Quill having breakfast with his grandfather on Earth. A newspaper references the events of The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, and the scene ends with the message that the Legendary Star-Lord will return.
Where to Watch
Streaming rights vary by country and can change over time. The platforms below are legal services where Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is available in at least some markets. Availability should be checked for the viewer’s location before subscribing or renting. Current JustWatch listings show Disney+ for streaming in multiple markets, with Amazon Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home among the digital rental/purchase options in the United States; other markets also list services such as Rakuten TV and Sky Store.
- Disney+ — Streaming where available
- Amazon Prime Video — Rent/Buy availability varies by market
- Apple TV — Rent/Buy where available
- Fandango at Home — Rent/Buy where available
- Rakuten TV — Availability varies by country
- Sky Store — Availability varies by country
- JustWatch — Check legal availability in your country
Franchise / Connections
| Franchise | Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) / Guardians of the Galaxy |
|---|---|
| Prequel | Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) |
| Sequel | No direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4 sequel has been released. |
| Related Movies | Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019) |
| Related Special | The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022) |
FAQs
What is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 about?
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 follows the Guardians as they attempt to save Rocket after he is critically injured by Adam Warlock. The mission leads them into Rocket’s past and brings them into conflict with his creator, the High Evolutionary.
When was Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 released?
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was released on May 5, 2023.
Who directed Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?
James Gunn directed Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Who wrote Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?
James Gunn wrote the screenplay.
Who produced Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?
Kevin Feige produced the film for Marvel Studios.
What is the runtime of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?
The runtime is 150 minutes.
What is the rating of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is rated PG-13.
Is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 part of the MCU?
Yes. It is the 32nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 the last Guardians movie?
It concludes James Gunn’s Guardians trilogy and ends the original team’s story as a group. The film’s mid-credits scene nevertheless introduces a new Guardians lineup led by Rocket.
Who is Rocket’s creator?
Rocket was created and experimented on by the High Evolutionary.
Who is the villain in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?
The main antagonist is the High Evolutionary, played by Chukwudi Iwuji.
Does Rocket die in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?
No. Rocket briefly flatlines and experiences a vision involving his childhood friends, but he returns to life and survives the final battle.
Does the High Evolutionary die?
The film does not show the High Evolutionary being killed. Rocket chooses not to kill him after defeating him.
Does Gamora die in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?
No. The Gamora in this film is the alternate version who arrived in the present during Avengers: Endgame. She survives and returns to the Ravagers.
Does Drax die in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?
No. Drax survives and remains on Knowhere with Nebula to help care for the rescued children.
Does Peter Quill leave the Guardians?
Yes. Peter steps down as leader and returns to Earth to reconnect with his grandfather.
Who leads the new Guardians of the Galaxy?
Rocket leads the new Guardians team shown in the mid-credits scene.
Who is Adam Warlock?
Adam Warlock is a powerful artificial being created by the Sovereign. Will Poulter portrays the character in the film.
Who is the High Evolutionary?
The High Evolutionary is a scientist who experiments on living beings in an attempt to create what he considers perfect life forms. He is also responsible for Rocket’s creation and modifications.
Who is Lylla in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?
Lylla is an otter and one of Rocket’s closest childhood friends. She was experimented on by the High Evolutionary and plays an important role in Rocket’s memories.
How many post-credits scenes are in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?
There are two credits scenes: one introducing the new Guardians lineup and another showing Peter Quill on Earth.
Is there a Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4?
No direct fourth Guardians of the Galaxy film has been released.
Is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 connected to Avengers: Endgame?
Yes. The version of Gamora appearing in Vol. 3 is the alternate Gamora who arrived in the present during Avengers: Endgame.
Should I watch the Guardians of the Galaxy movies in order?
For the Guardians’ character arcs and story development, the main trilogy can be watched as Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023). The Guardians also appear in other MCU films and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.
Where can I watch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 online?
Legal availability varies by country. Disney+ currently carries the film in multiple markets, while services such as Amazon Video and Apple TV can offer digital rental or purchase depending on location. Use JustWatch to check the current legal options in your country.
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