James Gunn explains why Thor was not in Guardians of the Galaxy 3, revealing he made the decision after realizing he could not authentically write the character. Gunn shared with Entertainment Weekly that, despite Marvel’s expectations and the events at the end of Avengers: Endgame, he chose to exclude Thor from the third Guardians film as he felt disconnected from the character’s essence.
Gunn’s Honest Approach to Excluding Thor
Following the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame, many fans expected Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, to continue journeying with the Guardians, led by Star-Lord and joined by Gamora, Drax, Groot, Mantis, and Nebula. However, James Gunn communicated directly to Marvel that Thor would not be part of the next installment.
“I said in the script notes: ‘I’m not gonna put him in. I don’t want to have Thor in the Guardians. I don’t want to do a movie with Thor,’”
—James Gunn, Director
Although Gunn enjoyed watching Thor’s adventures and appreciated Chris Hemsworth personally, he remained clear about his limitations when it came to crafting the character’s story.
“I don’t understand the character that much. I love watching his movies and I love Chris Hemsworth as a guy. I don’t understand how to write that character.”
—James Gunn, Director
Transitioning the Storylines Post-Endgame
In the wake of Endgame, the expected partnership with the Guardians took shape briefly in Thor: Love and Thunder, released in 2022. However, the collaboration was short-lived, as Thor soon responded to a distress signal from fellow Asgardian Sif, parting ways with the group. This narrative shift conveniently restored Star-Lord and his crew to their original lineup by the time Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 debuted in 2023. The decision reflected both an in-universe and creative realignment, ensuring Gunn could focus on the characters he knew intimately and could write authentically, such as Drax, Groot, Nebula, and Gamora.
Gunn’s Career Moving Forward
James Gunn’s time with Marvel came full circle as he transitioned to DC Studios, where he took on the ambitious task of reviving Superman for DCU Chapter One. David Corenswet will portray the iconic hero, joined by Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Supporting cast members include Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion, and Anthony Carrigan, promising fresh energy to these classic roles. Gunn’s unique vision will now shape Superman’s cinematic future, with the film set to premiere in theaters on July 11.
The anticipation around Gunn’s take on the beloved superhero coincides with renewed excitement for both Marvel and DC universes, as fans look forward to new adventures and fresh interpretations of their favorite characters. With Gunn at the helm, the industry expects bold moves and thoughtful storytelling, shaped by his honest and conflicted creative decisions, just as seen with his choice regarding Thor’s place in the Guardians’ saga.
