MCU, throughout its existence, has been known for producing exciting storylines and characters. But sometimes, its decision can hamper other franchises. Director James Gunn shared information about the dynamic between Rocket Raccoon and Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in an update that could have disheartened fans.
During an interview with Rolling Stone in April, James Gunn revealed his astonishment with the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame, where Chris Hemsworth’s Thor joins the Guardians. Gunn expressed surprise as he was not informed of this decision. Marvel Studios decided to incorporate the scene in post-production, and Gunn had not anticipated it to make the final cut.
Did The Change Affect Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Incorporating this change could have created inconsistencies with the existing script of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 that James Gunn had already penned. Upon returning to the project, Gunn was uncertain how to address this deviation. Thankfully, Taika Waititi came to the rescue and skillfully resolved Thor’s tenure with the Guardians in Thor: Love and Thunder.
During an open Q&A session on Twitter, James Gunn imposed a unique rule of answering only yes or no questions. In response to a fan’s inquiry about whether Rocket had maintained communication with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor following the events of Love and Thunder, Gunn curtly replied with a simple “No.”
Judging from the significant difference in Groot’s appearance between Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Thor: Love and Thunder, it appears that either Groot had an astonishing growth spurt or Rocket and the Thunder God have not stayed in touch for a considerable period.
Naturally, this response from Gunn left some fans disheartened, especially those who had developed a fondness for the blossoming camaraderie between the two characters during their encounters in Infinity War and Endgame.
Why Was Thor Paired With Guardians By The MCU
Both directors at Marvel Studios appeared disinclined to dedicate any significant screen time to Thor’s alliance with the Guardians, leading to the question: Why did Marvel Studios establish this plot point in the first place? In response, James Gunn said,
“Endgame came out right after I decided to do Guardians again. So I didn’t have much say in what was in Endgame.”
It’s apparent that the original design by Marvel Studios was to have a Guardians movie featuring Thor, but without James Gunn as the director, as Gunn was not yet rehired when Avengers: Endgame premiered in theaters in April 2019. However, these plans were derailed with Gunn’s unexpected reappointment as director for the final installment in March 2019.
It remains to be seen how the next director of the Guardians franchise will navigate the interplay between the characters and their place in the larger MCU. Perhaps then, fans can hope to witness another encounter between Rocket and Thor.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is currently in theaters and will be available for streaming later on Disney+.
Source: The Direct
