The turbulent journey of the final Guardians of the Galaxy film

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 concluded a beloved trilogy, but its path to the screen was nearly derailed by controversy. After the director was fired and later rehired, the film emerged as a critical success that explored the tragic origins of Rocket, the team's genetically engineered raccoon.

The film, released in 2023 as the 32nd entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, serves as the final chapter for the original iteration of the Guardians. Written and directed by James Gunn, the story centers on the team's mission to save Rocket from his creator, the High Evolutionary. This antagonist, a narcissistic and sociopathic scientist, sought to create an ideal society called Counter-Earth by anthropomorphizing animals into Humanimals. The narrative delves into Rocket's past as a test subject in Batch 89, alongside his friends Lylla, Teefs, and Floor.

The production process was marked by significant instability. In July 2018, Disney fired Gunn after controversial past social media posts resurfaced. The decision triggered a massive public response, including a petition with over 300,000 signatures and vocal support from the film's ensemble cast. Disney reversed its decision in October 2018, and Gunn's return was officially confirmed in March 2019. He resumed work on the project after completing other commitments, with filming eventually taking place at Trilith Studios in Atlanta from November 2021 to May 2022.

Upon its release, the film was both a critical and commercial triumph, grossing over $845.6 million worldwide and ranking as the fourth-highest-grossing film of 2023. It also earned a nomination for Best Visual Effects at the 96th Academy Awards. Beyond the box office, the film provided closure for several characters, with Peter Quill returning to Earth and Rocket assuming the mantle of captain for a new team. For actors like Dave Bautista and Zoe Saldaña, the project marked a definitive end to their long-standing roles within the franchise.

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