Chris Hemsworth’s absence from Guardians of the Galaxy 3 was a deliberate choice by James Gunn, the film’s writer and director. Although Avengers: Endgame concluded with Thor joining the Guardians and excited fans with the possibility of an “Asgardians of the Galaxy” dynamic, Gunn was unsettled by the idea of integrating Thor into the group’s next cinematic adventure.
In a recent discussion, Gunn revealed his reservations after viewing Endgame’s finale, noting that while many embraced the team-up, he had personal doubts about bringing Thor, also called the son of Asgard, into his story despite holding Chris Hemsworth in high regard.
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, Writer/Director
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, Writer/Director
Thor’s Temporary Alliance and Future MCU Roles
Though Thor never became an official team member in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, fans did see a brief collaboration in Thor: Love and Thunder. At the start of that film, Thor joined forces with the Guardians for a series of missions, but they quickly parted ways after Thor learned of a crisis involving Sif.
Chris Hemsworth is anticipated to return as Thor in Avengers: Doomsday, arriving in theaters on December 18, 2026. The fate of the Guardians of the Galaxy within the Marvel Cinematic Universe remains unclear; however, should any team member appear in Doomsday or Secret Wars, sources suggest Peter Quill might be the strongest candidate.
James Gunn’s Shift to DC Studios Leadership
James Gunn, now co-CEO of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, has shifted his focus from Marvel’s cosmic adventurers to plotting the future of the DC Universe for the company. Their first major project, Superman, is set to release in theaters on July 11. With these changes, Gunn’s decision not to include Thor, despite appreciation for Chris Hemsworth, reflects his desire to maintain a clear direction for his own creative vision and underscores the complex dynamics behind major superhero crossovers.
The exclusion of Thor from the Guardians’ final film ultimately shaped the narrative of both franchises, setting distinct paths for Hemsworth’s Thor and the galaxy’s band of misfits, leaving audiences to anticipate how each will evolve in upcoming blockbuster events.
