After finding success with the cosmic division of Marvel Cinematic Universe, the cosmos is set to play a major role going forward into Phase 4 as well. This is seen to an extent in Eternals, the newest MCU movie to release, although it will continue in projects like Thor: Love and Thunder, Nova, and, most prominently, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Director James Gunn and his team are at the very start of filming for this epic threequel, which will likely come as the thrilling end to the galactic team's trilogy - at least, this version of the team. While no story details are known yet, the Guardians will find themselves face to face with Will Poulter's Adam Warlock as he makes his massive presence felt within the MCU.
Also, on the docket for Gunn and the Guardians team is the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special coming to Disney+, which is shrouded in even more mystery than its follow-up in Vol. 3.
Reports have detailed how Marvel plans to film the Holiday Special during production for Vol. 3, although neither Gunn nor Marvel has shared any specifics whatsoever on what the plot or story will entail. However, fans now know exactly who will star in this unique outing, which should bring a level of joy prior to its debut.
Guardians Assembling for Holiday Special
Coming with the start of filming for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Marvel confirmed multiple cast members that will appear in the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, which is set to premiere on Disney+ at the end of 2022.
The studio announced that Chris Pratt (Star-Lord), Zoe Saldaña (Gamora), Dave Bautista (Drax), Karen Gillan (Nebula), Pom Klementieff (Mantis), and Sean Gunn (Kraglin) will reprise their roles for the Disney+ special.
The Guardians Team Back Together for Marvel
As was largely expected, most of the team that was last seen in the final moments of Avengers: Endgame will join forces for this one-of-a-kind holiday special on Disney+.
With Gamora's status in question after being killed in Avengers: Infinity War, her alternate timeline version from Avengers: Endgame will be a key thread to follow as the Guardians continue their search for the daughter of Thanos. Additionally, the confirmed cast list is currently missing the services of two fan favorites in Bradley Cooper's Rocket Raccoon and Vin Diesel's Groot.
The common assumption is that the two will return for their roles in the Holiday Special and only weren't announced because of their absence from the cast photo from the first day of filming. Both actors will complete the vast majority of their work in the recording booth before CGI takes over, and it should only be a matter of time before their castings are confirmed with the rest of the team.
Another notable name missing from this special is Will Poulter's Adam Warlock, although Marvel is likely looking to save his epic debut until the Guardians' third theatrical adventure. It seems like a bit of a stretch for Warlock to be included in such a holly jolly adventure for his MCU debut, but fans will have to wait to see what happens on that front.
No matter what comes to be, this new outing will look to make its mark on both the Guardians' legacy and Marvel Studios' overall efforts on Disney+.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special will debut on Disney+ sometime in late 2022.
