After bidding adieu to some of its original members, including the team leader, Star-Lord, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 has paved the way for new beginnings. Peter Quill, after resolving to make amends with his grandfather on Earth, has officially resigned from his position and entrusted the mantle to Rocket, while he returned to his hometown. Meanwhile, Rocket has taken it upon himself to form a new team of Guardians comprising Groot, Adam Warlock, Cosmo, Phyla, Kraglin, and Blurp. However, does this truly spell the end of Quill and Chris Pratt’s journey in the MCU?
If you’re patient enough to wait through the post-credit scene in Vol 3, you’ll be privy to a heartwarming sight of Quill sharing a meal with his grandfather in the living room, followed by a statement flashing on the screen that reads “The Legendary Star-Lord Will Return.” This news is nothing short of delightful for fans, as it hints at the possibility of their beloved Guardian’s return to the MCU.
#1. A Sentimental Moment
The aforementioned statement by Marvel may elicit an emotional response from audiences, as it is a callback to the way Peter Quill initially introduced himself in Guardians of the Galaxy back in 2014. Additionally, it also references the comic book series of the same name authored by Sam Humphries and Paco Medina, which hit the stands in 2015.
#2. The Future of Star-Lord
While it is a certainty that the former space thief will make a comeback, it is also safe to assume that his role in the Guardians team has concluded. The leadership baton has been passed on to Rocket, and having Quill reclaim the mantle in the future would contradict the foundation laid by James Gunn in Vol 3, and undermine the poignancy of the Guardians’ farewell in the movie. However, there are still several avenues for Star-Lord to explore in the MCU, even if he doesn’t rejoin the team. He may even receive a title of his own, particularly if Marvel adheres to the source material.
#3. What can we anticipate from a standalone movie featuring Star-Lord as the lead character?
In the solo comic series The Legendary Star-Lord, Peter Quill departs from the Guardians of the Galaxy and embarks on a solo journey aboard his new vessel, The Bad Boy. During his adventure, Quill confronts Thanos while also being pursued by J’son, his paternal figure and former ruler of the Spartax Empire. Marvel Studios may incorporate significant deviations from the comic book storyline due to Quill’s divergent familial background in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The potential film adaptation presents an excellent opportunity for the introduction of new characters such as Kitty Pryde, Star-Lord’s romantic interest in the comic, who may facilitate the integration of the X-Men into the MCU. Enthusiasts of the comic are eager to see Quill team up with the X-Men in the movie.
Moreover, Marvel can also draw inspiration from Star-Lord: Grounded, a comic book title created by Chip Zdarsky and Kris Anka that follows Quill’s journey after the events of The Legendary Star-Lord. In the narrative, Quill is grounded on Earth and interacts with various heroes like Daredevil and Wolverine before eventually reuniting with the Guardians in space. Given that Peter is expected to return to Earth at the conclusion of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the scenario is highly plausible if Marvel chooses to produce a Star-Lord standalone film.
Additionally, it is feasible that Star-Lord’s solo adventure could be adapted as a brief series on Disney+, given that the original comic comprises 12 volumes before its cancellation by Marvel Comics.
#4. Star-Lord might join the Avengers in the future
With Quill’s return to the terrestrial sphere and the prospects of a prolonged stay, the probability of his enlistment to the Avengers’ roster looms large. Following the events that ensued in the aftermath of Endgame, the team’s activities were scarce. In light of the occurrences depicted in Captain America: New World Order set to unfold in 2024, every ounce of assistance that the Avengers can garner is of the utmost significance. Quill’s official initiation into the Avengers’ fold presents a propitious opportunity, one that enables him to hone his craft and brace himself for the MCU’s forthcoming epochal phase.
#5. Is Star-Lord Set to Make a Comeback in Avengers 5 and 6?
It’s highly anticipated that Star-Lord will make his comeback in two of Marvel’s upcoming crossover titles, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars. Despite the lack of confirmed plots for these movies, it’s almost certain that the beloved character will be part of the cast. In Avengers: Infinity War, Peter Quill made a huge mistake by allowing Thanos to regain control, as even actor Chris Pratt has acknowledged. Therefore, his redemption arc in the next Avengers movie would be a great opportunity for his character.
Moreover, this could also lead to a reunion between Quill and the new Guardians team, fighting alongside each other in an even bigger battle. Furthermore, if Star-Lord’s solo movie involves him teaming up with the X-Men, it’s possible for them to appear in Avengers 5 and 6, increasing the scale of the movies to a higher level.
So, how exactly will Star-Lord make his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
