Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is mere months away from hitting theaters and James Gunn has already teased the film’s emotional toll and frighteningly high death count in Disney+’s recent Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. As the Guardians prepare to take on the might of the High Evolutionary, played by Peacemaker‘s Chukwudi Iwuji, it has become abundantly clear that not all of the space-faring team will make it out alive. Even with the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s typically upbeat nature, there is no doubt that this film will be a tear-jerker.
Given Vol. 3‘s climactic nature and James Gunn’s new role over the DCU, it is highly likely that this will be the last time that audiences see this version of the Guardians onscreen together. This was hinted at further by Drax in the holiday special, who cheekily denoted his hatred for stories where “everybody lives.” While this may simply be a tongue-in-cheek poke at fans’ expectations, it more likely alludes to the fact that, the next time the Guardians appear onscreen, not all will survive until the end credits.
GOTG Holiday Special Teases Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 Deaths
While the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is generally upbeat, Drax’s line certainly seems to imply that he, along with several other Guardians, could meet an untimely demise in the upcoming film. The holiday special is the Guardians’ only appearance outside of Avengers: Endgame wherein every single member of their team survives. The inclusion of this line points out this fact while also revealing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3‘s tragic ending.
Not only does the Guardians Holiday Special verbally hint at a major character’s death in the upcoming film, but it also presents a team that is closer than ever before. Even the emotionally distant Nebula appears to foster deep and loving feelings for the other Guardians of the Galaxy, putting herself and every other member of the team in the perfect emotional position for a devastating loss. Currently at the height of their superhero careers, the Guardians are poised to suffer their greatest loss in the history of their Marvel Cinematic Universe appearances.
Who Will Die In Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3?
Given the context of the upcoming sequel’s first trailer, the likeliest candidate for GotG Vol. 3‘s big death is Rocket Raccoon. Rocket features heavily in the trailer, including one scene in which he appears to be hooked up to medical equipment, with a following clip of Star-Lord in a similar setting as he screams in anguish, perhaps over the body of his dead friend. The film is also confirmed to heavily revolve around Rocket and his origin, lending credence to the idea that it will also be his final appearance in the franchise.
Another major possible death in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is Drax the Destroyer. Dave Bautista is exiting the role of Drax after this last appearance, making it easier for Marvel Studios to kill off his characters without ruining potential future storylines. However, given Bautista’s vocal resignation from the franchise, rumors of Drax’s demise could merely be a red herring distracting audiences from the truth.
Outside of Drax and Rocket, there are many other potential deaths in the upcoming film. Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord and Karen Gillan’s Nebula are high on the list, while other newer characters, like Mantis, Cosmo, and Adam Warlock are likely safe. However, given the level of secrecy surrounding every Marvel project, the truth about who will live and who will die in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 won’t be revealed until the film hits theaters, unequivocally breaking fans’ hearts.