After Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, James Gunn provides a definitive answer about the chances of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4. It’s another end of an era for the Marvel Cinematic Universe after the release of Gunn’s final film in the franchise. Aside from functioning as the swan song for the original Guardians of the Galaxy roster, the threequel also tackled Rocket’s mysterious origins.

When asked about the chances of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4 happening, however, Gunn gives a clear answer on Twitter. Check out his responses below:

Gunn has long been vocal about Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 ending his planned MCU trilogy. Now that he’s going to be working on DC Universe exclusively for the next several years, it makes sense that he is moving on from the Guardians of the Galaxy and the franchise.

Will Marvel Studios Continue Making Guardians of the Galaxy Films

Unlike Avengers: Endgame, no major hero dies in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. This means that Marvel Studios can reunite the character in the future and do another film in their MCU sub-franchise. If that ever happens, however, Gunn will likely not be involved with it, especially if Kevin Feige and his team are planning on doing this in the foreseeable future.

For what it’s worth, the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3‘s post-credits scene clearly establishes the next iteration of the cosmic heroes. Following Star-Lord’s decision to go back to Earth and reunite with his grandfather, Rocket is now the leader of the team, with its members being Groot, Adam Warlock, Kraglin, Phyla, and Cosmo the Spacedog. The threequel sees them still actively responding to calls around the galaxy, so it’s possible that the gang ends up helping with the Avengers in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars.

Considering how popular the Guardians of the Galaxy is as a team, however, it’s difficult to imagine Marvel Studios just abandoning the MCU sub-franchise. So, there’s still a chance that some kind of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4 still happens. Feige’s work would be cut out for him, however, since Gunn wouldn’t be involved in it.

Star-Lord Will Still Return & The Guardians May Get A New Powerful Member

While Gunn has commented that there won’t be a true Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4 and a new Guardians team is teased in Vol. 3‘s post-credits scene, there’s only one Guardians who’s been confirmed to be returning to the MCU. The final moments of GotG Vol 3. Promise that the “Legendary Star-Lord Will Return,” though it’ unclear how or in which project. With Disney recently revamping the MCU release strategy and limiting Marvel Studios’ output, it seemed like Star-Lord’s future may be in question. However, Pratt recently confirmed that he is indeed still very much planning to appear again.

Moreover, another potential member of the next Guardians team recently received a positive production update. A Nova project s in development, though it has not officially been ordered to series. Richard Rider, aka Nova, is a powerful member of the Nova Corps in Marvel Comics. While he isn’t always associated with the Guardians, he’s spent time on and working with the team, and the Nova Corps have so far been most predominantly featured in the Guardians movies. It’s very possible Nova could show up in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4 (or whatever it’s called) after starring in his own TV show.

Source: James Gunn/Twitter 1, 2