Guardians Of The Galaxy 3 Will Set Up The MCU’s Next Decade

When James Gunn first agreed to direct a movie for Marvel Studios, the man could not have known how integral he would become to the its future. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is poised to undergo a revolution in the coming years as Avengers 4 grows nearer by the day. The head of Marvel Studios has admitted that Gunn will take a bigger creative role for the MCU after the next two Avengers flick finish out. And, when Kevin Feige said a bigger role, the producer meant it. In a recent interview, Feige admitted Gunn would be the man who helps shaped the next ten years of Marvel films.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Feige gave a timestamp for Gunn’s future work with the MCU. The president said the franchise has been building up to Avengers: Infinity War for a decade now, and Gunn will help set up the next ten following Guardians of the Galaxy 3.

“I think James in particular has an amazing connection with these characters and with this cosmic world. So he, I think, could easily oversee additional stories beyond Vol. 3,” Feige said.

“And I think has them and just continues to come up with them, which is cool. All of our core writers and filmmakers know what we are doing in other places and help give input on the various projects.”

Now, Gunn confirmed the timeline in a chat with the Toronto Sun. The director seconded the fact that he would be pushing the MCU in a new, cosmic direction. “I will be helping to plant the seeds that will lead to the next decade. I’m helping to decide what projects we’ll be pursuing outside of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3… and what the next cosmic characters we will focus on.”

For now, there is no telling what the future of the MCU will contain. Feige has hinted the franchise may not use a traditional ‘phase’ to encompass its films post-Phase 3. And, as for the MCU and its cosmic leanings, there are plans already in the works. Sylvester Stallone will play a much larger role in the MCU moving forward, and reports have surfaced that Adam Warlock will finally make a debut sometime after Avengers: Infinity War.

MORE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2: The Major Cosmic Characters Introduced In Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 / 3 New TV Spots Released / Chris Pratt Performs Hilarious Pet Shop Prank Call

Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is written and directed by James Gunn (Slither). The film marks the return of the original Guardians, including Chris Pratt (Jurassic World) as Peter Quill/Star-Lord; Zoe Saldana (Star Trek Into Darkness) as Gamora; Dave Bautista (Spectre) as Drax; Vin Diesel (Furious 7) as the voice of Groot; Bradley Cooper (American Sniper) as the voice of Rocket; Michael Rooker (Jumper) as Yondu; Karen Gillan (The Big Short) as Nebula; and Sean Gunn (Gilmore Girls) as Kraglin. New cast members include Pom Klementieff (Oldboy), Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby, Everest), Chris Sullivan (The Knick, The Drop) and Kurt Russell (The Hateful Eight, The Thing).

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on May 5, 2017.