‘The Franchises Are Over’: Chris Pratt Hints He’s Leaving MCU, Signals End of Superhero Movie Era
Since the Guardians of the Galaxy‘s release in 2014, they have grown to become one of the most popular and loved MCU heroes, including the likes of Star-Lord, played by Chris Pratt, and the unusually cute Groot. James Gunn directed the first two installments of the franchise, adding his characteristic quirk, and he is slated to direct the third installment: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and a Disney+ Holiday Special, as well.
The Guardians are not simply an entertaining set to watch but also instrumental in the larger scheme of things, with reference to the MCU. Gamora, played by Zoe Saldana, and Nebula, played by Karen Gillan turned out to be Thanos’ daughters, the ultimate villain of the Infinity Saga. Now, the Guardians will be seen flying across galaxies alongside Thor with their first Phase 4 appearance in Thor: Love and Thunder.
James Gunn jumped ship to DC for The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, Vol. 3; consequently concluding his MCU journey and therefore also the Guardians of the Galaxy’s journey.
Farewells are emotional and saying goodbye to an adventurous journey like this is hard for the fans, cast, and crew alike. Among all the sentiments, Star-Lord Chris Pratt shared his thoughts on leaving MCU behind.
Also Read: THIS Guardians of the Galaxy Star Is Interested In A Spin-Off TV Series
The page is turning: Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt recently gave an interview to Men’s Health, and the topic of his departure from MCU had to be brought up. The actor shared how his prime focus currently is to “put a lot of effort into experiencing the moment”. He even compared his time at MCU with Russell Wilson’s time as the quarterback for Pratt’s home football team, the Seattle Seahawks:
“You want to be conscious and put a lot of effort into experiencing the moment. Like, this is going away. I want to take it in. You can’t take it in any harder than just being present to it. So I’m being present. The other day, Russell Wilson, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback, he got traded to Denver. He’s been with Seattle for about ten years. Which has been about the duration of this. I was like, ‘Wait, hold on, what happened?’ The emotion around the last ten years sort of coming to an end. I was in the most embarrassing way, like, ‘My quarterback leaves, so I’m gonna cry.’ It’s hitting me in moments like that.”
The actor talked about what he perceives his future would be like career-wise since he doesn’t have a ten-year plan:
“I don’t actually know what’s gonna come next. You asked whether or not I’m cognizantly, intentionally turning a page. The page is turning. Whether I want to or not. Because the franchises are over.”
A bittersweet farewell
Zoe Saldana talked to Screen Rant recently as well, sharing her feelings about having to leave the franchise behind.
“I have to say we’re dealing with a lot of adversities, which is COVID and scheduling and things like that. But when we’re there, we’re having such a wonderful time, you know? It’s a bittersweet moment because it is our understanding that this will be the last Guardians of the Galaxy. So it’s bitter in that sense, but it’s sweet because we are all very grateful to have lived this journey together and James Gunn really is giving us a beautiful ending, and this story is really compelling. I think it’s going to be the best one yet. We’re having a blast, but then again, it’s just not easy to shoot a Guardians movie. There’s a lot of action. There’s a lot of dust. There’s a lot of makeup, endless hours of makeup, but the end result is so worth it.”
Karen Gillan also talked to CinemaBlend about the same.
“I think we’ve taken it to a whole new level this time. And you know, there might be, maybe, a feeling of closing out a chapter of sorts, so it’s a little bittersweet, in a sense. But I think everybody has upped it for this one.”
Also Read: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: Borat Star Cast in Key Role
A Final Goodbye
The third installment of the trilogy happens to be the seventh on-screen appearance of the cosmic superhero team – a number equal to that of Chris Evans as Captain America, excluding any post-credit scenes or cameos. Although Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 has been declared the end of the road, we can’t help but hope and speculate that that might not be the case. However, as it all currently stands, taking into account the cast and crew’s loyalty towards each other and their lack of interest to return without one another hints at a final end.
The end is in sight but we still have time. Meanwhile, we have Thor: Love and Thunder and the Holiday Special before we bid our last goodbyes with the final film next summer.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hits theaters on May 5, 2023.
Also Read: How Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Will Be The Darkest MCU Film To Date?
Source: The Direct
