The firing of writer-director James Gunn has caused quite a mess for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but it sounds like things will eventually be pushing forward with the Marvel trilogy-maker, just much later than expected.
A new listing report indicates that production on the third Guardians of the Galaxy is set to begin in February 2021 under the working title “Hot Christmas.” This suggests a roughly two-year delay from the release date predicted before the project’s original helmsman was dismissed over controversial tweets. And now that Avengers: Infinity War has introduced the titular team of the series to the wider MCU, it’s likely that a setback this great will send ripples through the franchise, forcing other Marvel movies to undergo rewrites to maintain the overarching continuity of this interconnected universe.
While Disney seems to stand by their choice to drop Gunn, it was previously reported that Marvel Studios still have every intention of using the filmmaker’s script. At this rate, however, it looks like the screenplay could need some major adjustments before it’s ready for shooting. For one thing, even putting these delays aside, there’s a distinct possibility that actor Dave Bautista won’t be reprising his role as Drax.
The performer has remained among the most outspoken critics of the studio’s decision to fire Gunn, slamming the company on social media and repeatedly hinting that he’s unsure if he still wants to work at the Mouse House. The star has even suggested that he’d be game for joining Gunn on his next comic book movie project, Suicide Squad 2.
In any case, while we’re still waiting for some official confirmation on this alleged production date, if it turns out to be legit then we may not be seeing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 grace our screens until some time in 2022. By then, the Marvel Cinematic Universe will probably be looking like a very different place.