Marvel Studios wrapped up the story of one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most distinctive teams with the release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in 2023. Directed by James Gunn, the film closed the trilogy that began nearly a decade earlier, while also setting up a fresh lineup of heroes who could continue the cosmic adventures.
The Guardians have a history that stretches far beyond the big screen. The original version of the team debuted in 1969, created by Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, and Arnold Drake. That early incarnation included characters such as Yondu Udonta and Vance Astro.
Years later, the concept was reinvented in “Annihilation: Conquest #6” in 2008 by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. Their interpretation featured Star-Lord alongside Rocket Raccoon, Groot, Phyla-Vell, Gamora, Drax the Destroyer, and Adam Warlock. The group also shared ties with other cosmic characters like Nova, Mantis, and Cosmo the Spacedog, laying the groundwork for the cinematic team.
Marvel Studios introduced the Guardians to movie audiences in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). Directed by Gunn, the film centered on Chris Pratt's Peter Quill and his unlikely allies as they navigated the galaxy together.
The group returned in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) before crossing paths with other Marvel heroes in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019). Several of the characters later appeared in Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), setting the stage for the events of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Across the trilogy, the core cast included Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Zoe Saldaña as Gamora, Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon, Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer, Vin Diesel as Groot, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Sean Gunn as Kraglin Obfonteri, and Karen Gillan as Nebula.
Additional performers included Maria Bakalova as Cosmo the Spacedog, Will Poulter as Adam Warlock, Elizabeth Debicki as Ayesha, Sylvester Stallone as Stakar Ogord, Chukwudi Iwuji as the High Evolutionary, Daniela Melchior as Ura, Michael Rosenbaum as Martinex, and Linda Cardellini as Lylla.
The third installment premiered globally at Disneyland Paris on April 22, 2023, before debuting in Los Angeles on April 27. After opening in several international markets on May 3, the film reached theaters across the United States on May 5 and quickly drew strong audience interest.
Marvel has not revealed plans for a fourth movie, and the third film was widely presented as the closing act for the original Guardians lineup. Still, fans continue to speculate about the franchise’s future. During Emerald City Comic-Con, Comic Book Resources asked Pom Klementieff and Sean Gunn about the possibility of another installment in the series.
“I don't know,” Klementieff said. “We never talked about a Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4. It was always imagined as a trilogy.” Gunn explained that the decision would ultimately depend on Marvel Studios’ creative direction.
“In some ways, it's almost like a little above my pay grade. It's like, if they decide to do it, if they decide that they can put the pieces together and get the right cast, and get a script that they really like and that works, then it would depend on who wrote that script and who was putting it together.”
“And by that point, there would probably already be somebody who was part of it, so I don't know,” the MCU and DCU star said.
Vol. 3 also marked the end of James Gunn’s time working within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The filmmaker now leads DC Studios alongside Peter Safran as co-CEO under Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav. Their first slate of projects, titled “Gods and Monsters”, began with Gunn’s Superman (2025) and will continue with Supergirl (2026), directed by Craig Gillespie.
While the trilogy concluded the story for several longtime members, the film’s mid-credits scene teased a new direction for the team. That moment revealed an updated Guardians roster preparing for their next mission. If Marvel eventually develops another Guardians movie, the current lineup includes Rocket Raccoon, Groot, Adam Warlock, Cosmo the Spacedog, Kraglin Obfonteri, and Phyla-Vell.
Rocket Raccoon
Rocket emerges from the events of Vol. 3 with a new responsibility. After the team defeats the High Evolutionary, Rocket is chosen to lead the next version of the Guardians. Created by Bill Mantlo and Keith Giffen, Rocket first appeared in “Marvel Preview #7” (1976). Known for his engineering talents and combat abilities, he has been a central figure in both the comics and the MCU.
Groot
Groot also continues as part of the team. The character has appeared in multiple forms across the MCU timeline, including the widely recognized Baby Groot. His comic book debut came in “Tales to Astonish #13” (1960). Over the years, Groot’s abilities have included regeneration and the capacity to transform his wooden body into shields, weapons, and other tools.
Adam Warlock
Adam Warlock, portrayed by Will Poulter, represents one of the newest additions to the group. The character was originally introduced in “Fantastic Four #66-67” (1967) by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Warlock begins the story as an agent of Ayesha tasked with capturing Rocket for the High Evolutionary. By the end of the film, he joins forces with the Guardians. His powers include flight, extreme strength, and energy-based attacks.
Cosmo the Spacedog
Maria Bakalova voices Cosmo the Spacedog, a telepathic canine who joins the team. The character made her MCU debut in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022). Cosmo first appeared in “Nova #4” (2008), created by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. In the comics and the MCU alike, the character is a Soviet space dog who develops psychic powers after exposure to cosmic radiation.
Kraglin Obfonteri
Kraglin, played by Sean Gunn, also joins the lineup. The character’s comic origins trace back to “Tales to Astonish #46” (1963), created by Stan Lee, Ernie Hart, and Don Heck. Within the MCU, Kraglin was once part of Yondu’s Ravager crew. After Yondu’s death in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, he inherits his mentor’s arrow weapon and cybernetic fin.
Phyla-Vell
Phyla-Vell is another addition introduced in Vol. 3. The character debuted in “Captain Marvel vol. 5 #16” (2004), created by Peter David and Paul Azaceta.
In the film, she is one of the children engineered by the High Evolutionary as part of his attempt to create a perfect civilization. The mid-credits scene hints at her potential when she channels cosmic energy through her fists.
At this point, none of these characters have been confirmed for the upcoming Phase Six film Avengers: Doomsday (2026). Still, the formation of a new Guardians lineup suggests that Marvel’s cosmic team could return someday if the studio chooses to continue the story.
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