Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to ‘conclude the story of this iteration’

After teasing that he might not return for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, writer and director James Gunn confirmed today he would be helming the conclusion of the heroes’ story.

Gunn wrote a lengthy post on Facebook explaining that although he toyed with the idea of not returning to end the franchise’s current installment, he decided to come back to see his team through.

“In the end, my love for Rocket, Groot, Gamora, Star-Lord, Yondu, Mantis, Drax, and Nebula — and some of the other forthcoming heroes — goes deeper than you guys can possibly imagine, and I feel they have more adventures to go on and things to learn about themselves and the wonderful and sometimes terrifying universe we all inhabit,” Gunn wrote. “And, like in both Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, we will work on creating the story that goes beyond what you expect.”

Gunn also touched upon the fact that although this will end the main Guardians of the Galaxy storyline that fans know, it is in no way the end of the franchise or the characters. The director will be working closely with Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige and Disney CEO Bob Iger to ensure the “Marvel Cosmic Universe” is prepared for another 10 years.

“Much of what’s happened in the MCU for the past ten or so years has been leading, in a big way, to the Avengers’ Infinity War,” Gunn said. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will happen after all that. It will conclude the story of this iteration of the Guardians of the Galaxy, and help catapult both old and new Marvel characters into the next ten years and beyond.”

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will be released on May 5. Gunn’s entire post can be read on his Facebook page.