The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 runtime was reported to be the longest in the MCU series and clocking in at nearly two-and-a-half hours long. Director James Gunn has now commented on the time, confirming that it’s correct although the movie isn’t finalized yet in terms of the final runtime.
“It’s around that long, although that’s not yet exact,” Gunn revealed on his Twitter. “And, I promise, not a second is wasted. There’s no fat. It was necessary to experience the full arc for every major Guardians character, not only for this film, but for the trilogy (or, I should say, trilogy plus).”
Gunn’s phrasing of “trilogy plus” led to some reckless speculation that he confirmed future Guardians of the Galaxy movies, which led to Gunn clarifying that he was including their stories in the Holiday Special, Infinity War, and Endgame.
“In Marvel Studios Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 our beloved band of misfits are looking a bit different these days,” reads the synopsis. “Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.”
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is once again written and directed by James Gunn. MCU vets Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Sean Gunn, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Bradley Cooper, and Vin Diesel are returning to reprise their respective roles as Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Kraglin, Nebula, Mantis, Rocket, and Groot.
The sequel will also serve as the introduction of franchise newcomers Will Poulter, Chukwudi Iwuji, and Maria Bakalova, who have signed on for the roles of Adam Warlock, the High Evolutionary, and Cosmo the Spacedog.