Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3: First reactions praise 'perfect' end to trilogy

Star-Lord and co reunite for one last mission

Sam Moore
·2-min read
Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 (Disney)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is released 5 May. (Disney)

The first reactions to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 have landed after the film was screened for press for the first time, and things are looking positive for those intergalactic Marvel heroes.

The film, which is once again written and directed by James Gunn, will see the Guardians living on Knowhere when the team are forced to go on a daring mission to protect Rocket Raccoon.

Digital Spy movies editor Ian Sandwell said: "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is a brilliant end to a brilliant trilogy. It's very funny, emotional and everybody gets their stand-out moment.

"Will Poulter's Warlock is a terrific addition, yet the focus is rightly on telling a satisfying end for the Guardians."

Read more: Everything we know about Guardians of the Galaxy 3

Absolute Radio host Emil Franchi added: "After seeing it twice I can safely say #GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 completes the perfect MCU trilogy. It’s heartbreaking and hilarious and I’ve loved this team from the first ooga shaka. A blast for 10 years."

Vol 3 sees all of the main cast return with Chris Pratt as Star-Lord, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Dave Bautista as Drax, Bradley Cooper as Drax and Vin Diesel as Groot.

Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) in Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.
Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. (Marvel Studios)

Other returning members of the ensemble include Karen Gillan, Sean Gunn, Pom Klementieff and Sylvester Stallone.

New additions to the cast include Will Poulter, Elizabeth Debicki and Chukwudi Iwuji in villainous roles.

Read more: Every upcoming MCU movie and TV show

Film critic Alexander Kardelo said of the film: "#GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3 is, more than ever, Star Wars as a stoner comedy.

From left to right; ctor Karen Gillan, Actor Zoe Saldana, Actor Chris Pratt, director James Gunn, Actor Pom Klementieff, Actor Vin Diesel attend the gala event for the film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 at Disneyland Paris Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Chessy Marne La Vallee, east of Paris. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
Karen Gillan, Zoe Saldana, Chris Pratt, director James Gunn, Pom Klementieff, and Vin Diesel attend the gala event for the film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 at Disneyland Paris. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

"Lovable weirdos, big Marvel action and goofy jokes. But nothing can prepare you for all the emotions. Rocket Raccoon’s origin story is beautiful and heart-wrenching."

Joe editor Rory Kashin also praised the sequel: "Can confirm that I shed a tear during #GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3. And that I would very happily watch an Adam Warlock solo movie."

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is released on 5 May.

Watch a trailer below

Latest stories