Nearly three years since Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 premiered, Chris Pratt has not yet returned as Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With no confirmed appearances ahead and James Gunn no longer directing the Guardians series—having transitioned to become co-CEO of DC Studios—the future of the franchise remains uncertain. Pratt recently shared his thoughts on continuing as Star-Lord in the MCU without Gunn at the helm.
Chris Pratt Reflects on Star-Lord’s Path Amid Shifts in Guardians Direction
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is moving forward with projects like Avengers: Doomsday, which so far excludes characters from Guardians of the Galaxy. Regarding this, Pratt explained the evolving nature of Marvel’s approach to their films. He told the Happy Sad Confused podcast,
The thing is, you know, everything is all liquid, right?
and added,
And they kind of take things a step at a time at Marvel. I’m happy to do anything they want me to do […] Also, I personally have a really strong vision of what I would want him to do, and I think it’s f*cking great.
Pratt emphasized his willingness to contribute creatively:
I’m down to contribute any way I can to them setting up the next 10 years of storytelling, you know, and I have a pretty strong idea of how I think I could contribute to that.
Considering the possibility of working with a different director for future Guardians projects, Pratt acknowledged the distinct dynamic he experienced with Gunn compared to other filmmakers. He reflected,
The thing is, like, when we did Avengers with the Russos, it was an amazing experience, but also a slightly different experience than doing it with James,
and expressed hope for a suitable replacement,
In a dream world it would be somehow James, but I don’t think that’s likely to happen. So, I’d have to think about, like, who would be the right director. There are amazing directors out there. [I’m] sure we’ll find the right guy… or girl.
Looking Back on the James Gunn Firing and Reinstatement
Pratt also opened up about the turbulent events surrounding James Gunn’s dismissal and eventual return as director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. He recounted a conversation with Marvel’s Lou Esposito when Gunn’s firing was announced, recalling,
I remember it all very clearly. I remember talking to Lou Esposito at Marvel—and I don’t think Lou would mind me saying this—but he goes,
“We got to let him go.”
And I was like,
“You’re making a mistake. You are making a mistake. You can’t. No, you can’t.”
He’s like,
“Dude, it’s it has to happen.”
And then it happened, and I reached out to James. I was like,
“Dude, this is not over. This is not over.”
And I started at that point, just like praying on it and strategizing.
Pratt also noted how Gunn’s co-star Dave Bautista was vocal in defending the director at that time. Regarding Gunn’s rehiring, Pratt credited Marvel’s leadership, stating,
The credit for him coming back, I think, belongs to the folks at Marvel,
and added,
I think there are certain people who do things that get them canceled, and then they behave in a way directly after that affirms that choice. I think James was incredibly classy the entire time. He owned it.
Maintaining a Collaborative Relationship Beyond Marvel
Reflecting on his working relationship with Gunn today, Pratt expressed a positive outlook and a desire to partner again, possibly within the DC Universe. He concluded,
He got that job back because it was a glaring mistake […] to ever fire him for that,
and indicated a hopeful future collaboration by saying he
would love to work with him again,
hinting at potential projects beyond their past with Marvel.
