In a recent interview, James Gunn might have let slip that Chris Pratt is gearing up to return to theMCUas Peter Quill, a.k.a.Star-Lordfrom theGuardians of the Galaxyfranchise. Filmmaker James Gunn produced threeGuardians of the Galaxyfeature films and a Special Presentation for Marvel Studios before departing for DC Studios, each of which starredChris Pratt as Peter Quill. Quill, the son of the Celestial Ego, was abducted from Earth as a child in the ’80s and raised in space by Yondu and the Ravagers, making him a unique MCU hero.
Chris Pratt was an inspired casting choice for Peter Quill’s Star-Lord, and he has filled the cosmic character with humor, personality, emotion and vulnerabilityin the decade since his debut. Marvel Studios has already teasedChris Pratt’s return as the Legendary Star-Lord, but there hasn’t yet been any word on exactly when Peter Quill might reappear in the MCU. Now, however, James Gunn might have accidentally teased Chris Pratt’s return as Star-Lord, suggesting it could take place sooner than anybody first suspected.
James Gunn Has Given Chris Pratt His Blessing To Continue As The MCU’s Star-Lord
The Guardians Of The Galaxy Cast Could Return To The MCU
Following the premiere of the DC Universe’s first project following its reboot,Creature Commandos, DC Studios' co-CEO James Gunn spoke to Josh Horowitz on theHappy, Sad, Confusedpodcast, and revealed more about his current relationship with Marvel Studios.Gunn’s controversial 2018 firing from Marvel led him into DC’s arms, though he returned forGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3and theHoliday Specialbefore officially leaving. He revealed he’d love to seemoreGuardians of the Galaxystories in the MCU, however, particularly those featuring Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord.
I’m excited for them to go do whatever they want to with Guardians, I would love them to take those characters and see more stories with them. Chris [Pratt] has my blessing, everybody, they all have my blessing. Chris keeps saying, ‘Is this okay? Is this okay?’ and I’m like, ‘Dude, whatever, I’m totally okay with whatever you do, you go do it.’ I mean, he’s one of my very close friends, and I would love to see him be Star-Lord again.
James Gunn confirmed that he has given his"blessing"to all the formercast members of the MCU’sGuardians of the Galaxyfranchisefor them to reprise their roles in the MCU even though he won’t be returning. While the likes of Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista and Vin Diesel likely won’t be reprising their roles, others, including Chris Pratt, have left the door open for their return. Funnily enough,during his interview on theHappy, Sad, Confusedpodcast, James Gunn might have accidentally revealed that Pratt’s return will be happening very soon indeed.
Chris Pratt May Currently Be Working On A Project For The MCU
Chris Pratt Has Already Been Teased To Be Returning As The Legendary Star-Lord
It’s worth noting that James Gunn suggests on theHappy, Sad, Confusedpodcast that Chris Pratt keeps saying,“Is this okay? Is this okay?“Gunn’s use of present tense here implies that Pratt has recently been asking for the filmmaker’s blessing to return as Peter Quill’s Star-Lord in the MCU, which suggests that Pratt is currently working on a new project with Marvel Studios, or is at least in talks to return. The tag at theend ofGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3confirmedThe Legendary Star-Lord will return, and this could now actually be coming to fruition.
Since his debut as Peter Quill’s Star-Lord, Chris Pratt has appeared in seven projects in the MCU, including theGuardians of the Galaxytrilogy, theHoliday Special,Infinity War, EndgameandThor: Love and Thunder.Since the release ofGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, there has been speculation regarding when he could be returning to the MCU, with theories floating the idea ofGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4or a dedicatedLegendary Star-Lordspinoff. There are many upcoming opportunities for Star-Lord to return, some of which could bring him back very soon.
When Could Star-Lord Return To The MCU?
Peter Quill’s Star-Lord Has Many Opportunities To Reappear
Even though there has been no confirmation from Marvel Studios regarding the development of a newGuardians of the Galaxysequel or a solo spinoff focused on Peter Quill’s Legendary Star-Lord, there are still plenty of places Quill can reappear.Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3ended with Peter Quill leaving the Guardians team and returning to Earth to reunite with his grandfather. Quill’s new Earthly residence may perfectly set him up to become a member of theMCU’s new Avengers team, leading to his return inAvengers: DoomsdayandSecret Wars.
Guardians of the Galaxy
2014
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
2017
2018
2019
Thor: Love and Thunder
2022
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
2023
Filming onAvengers: Doomsdayis expected to begin in mid-2025, so Chris Pratt would likely now be in talks to reprise his role in the Phase 6 crossover movie. However, it’s possible he could return much sooner.Sam Wilson’s Captain America will be urged to rebuild the Avengersin February’sCaptain America: Brave New World, and this team could include Star-Lord. Additionally, reshoots are taking place for May’sThunderbolts*, and there’s nothing to stop Peter Quill joining the new MCU antihero team. Following James Gunn’s comments, it’s very possible we could seeStar-Lordback in the MCU imminently.
Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a multimedia superhero franchise that began in 2008 with Paramount’s Iron Man starring Robert Downey Jr. The franchise quickly grew in popularity, with Disney eventually buying out Marvel Entertainment in 2009. The MCU consists of dozens of movies and TV shows, most notably Avengers: Endgame, WandaVision, and Loki.
