The Cosmic Future: Where The Guardians Of The Galaxy Cast Is Headed After Vol. 3

The conclusion of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy with Vol. 3 marked a definitive and emotional end for the original team, leaving fans curious about where their beloved cosmic heroes—and the actors who played them—will appear next. As of December 18, 2025, the biggest news is not a new MCU project, but a surprising jump to the rival DC Universe, with several key cast members reuniting with director James Gunn for his upcoming films, including the highly anticipated *Superman* movie. The original Guardians team has scattered across the galaxy and the Hollywood landscape, with each actor embarking on major new roles that promise to redefine their careers beyond the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

This article provides an in-depth, up-to-date look at the complete cast of the iconic trilogy, detailing their full biographies, their post-MCU projects, and the unique legacy they have left behind. From Chris Pratt’s next blockbuster roles to Dave Bautista’s shift toward serious drama, and the unexpected DC crossovers, the future for the *Guardians* ensemble is anything but quiet.

The Core Guardians: Complete Cast Biography and Profile

The success of the *Guardians of the Galaxy* franchise is fundamentally tied to the chemistry of its main cast. This section provides a detailed profile of the primary actors who brought the dysfunctional family of heroes to life, including their essential biographical data and most notable roles outside of the MCU.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• Chris Pratt (Peter Quill / Star-Lord)
  • Full Name: Christopher Michael Pratt
  • Date of Birth: June 21, 1979
  • Place of Birth: Virginia, Minnesota, U.S.
  • Key Non-MCU Roles: Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation, Owen Grady in the Jurassic World trilogy, Emmet Brickowski in The Lego Movie, and the voice of Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
  • Net Worth: Estimated to be one of the highest-earning actors in the MCU, with a net worth often cited in the $80-100 million range.
• Zoe Saldana (Gamora)
  • Full Name: Zoë Yadira Saldaña Nazario-Perego
  • Date of Birth: June 19, 1978
  • Place of Birth: Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
  • Key Non-MCU Roles: Neytiri in the Avatar franchise, Nyota Uhura in the Star Trek reboot series, and Anamaria in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. She is one of the highest-grossing female film actors of all time.
• Dave Bautista (Drax the Destroyer)
  • Full Name: David Michael Bautista Jr.
  • Date of Birth: January 18, 1969
  • Place of Birth: Washington, D.C., U.S.
  • Key Non-MCU Roles: Sapper Morton in Blade Runner 2049, Glossu Rabban in the Dune film series, and his long-running career as a professional wrestler in WWE under the ring name Batista.
• Karen Gillan (Nebula)
  • Full Name: Karen Sheila Gillan
  • Date of Birth: November 28, 1987
  • Place of Birth: Inverness, Scotland, UK
  • Key Non-MCU Roles: Amy Pond in the popular BBC series Doctor Who and Ruby Roundhouse in the recent Jumanji film series. She is also a writer and director.
• Pom Klementieff (Mantis)
  • Full Name: Pom Alexandra Klementieff
  • Date of Birth: May 3, 1986
  • Place of Birth: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
  • Key Non-MCU Roles: Haeng-Bok in the Korean-American film Oldboy (2013) and a role in the action film Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.
• Bradley Cooper (Rocket Raccoon - Voice)
  • Full Name: Bradley Charles Cooper
  • Date of Birth: January 5, 1975
  • Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
  • Key Non-MCU Roles: Phil Wenneck in The Hangover trilogy, Pat Solitano Jr. in Silver Linings Playbook, and Jackson Maine in A Star Is Born, which he also directed.
• Vin Diesel (Groot - Voice)
  • Full Name: Mark Sinclair
  • Date of Birth: July 18, 1967
  • Place of Birth: Alameda County, California, U.S.
  • Key Non-MCU Roles: Dominic Toretto in the Fast & Furious franchise, Richard B. Riddick in The Chronicles of Riddick series, and Private First Class Adrian Caparzo in Saving Private Ryan.

The Great DC Crossover: Guardians Actors Join James Gunn’s New Universe

One of the most compelling and recent developments for the *Guardians of the Galaxy* cast is their surprising migration to the newly rebooted DC Extended Universe (DCU), led by former *Guardians* director and now DC Studios co-CEO, James Gunn. This move confirms the deep loyalty and creative partnership between Gunn and his trusted ensemble, often referred to as his "rep company."

The most concrete news involves Gunn’s first major film in the new DCU, *Superman*, which is set for a 2025 release. Gunn has confirmed that three actors from the *Guardians* franchise will appear in the film, keeping the beloved tradition of his repertory company alive.

Three Guardians Stars Confirmed for Superman

While the roles are largely secretive, the confirmed involvement of these three actors has generated massive buzz, showcasing the enduring bond of the *Guardians* family:

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

• Pom Klementieff (Mantis): Confirmed by Gunn to be voicing a mystery character in *Superman*. Her involvement suggests a unique, possibly alien or computer-generated role, allowing her to continue her collaboration with Gunn without a major on-screen commitment.
• Michael Rooker (Yondu Udonta): Also confirmed to be voicing a character in the new *Superman*. Rooker is a long-time collaborator of Gunn, having starred in *Slither* and *Super* before his iconic role as the Ravager leader Yondu. His voice role is expected to be a significant, if unseen, part of the DC narrative.
• Michael Rosenbaum (Martinex): The actor who played Martinex in *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2* and *Vol. 3* has also been cast in an undisclosed role in *Superman*. Rosenbaum is already a DC veteran, famously playing Lex Luthor in the popular TV series *Smallville*, making his return to the DC screen a full-circle moment.

There has also been significant speculation surrounding Dave Bautista, who has expressed interest in playing a major DC villain. Rumors suggest he is a frontrunner to portray the iconic villain Brainiac in a future DCU project, though this remains unconfirmed.

The Legacy and Future of the Guardians Franchise

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was a box office hit and a critical success, providing a satisfying conclusion to the story of Peter Quill and his original crew. However, the film also laid the groundwork for a new era, both within the MCU and for the actors themselves.

The New Guardians and MCU Continuity

The final moments of Vol. 3 confirmed that the Guardians roster has officially changed, with a new team taking up the mantle of protecting the galaxy. The post-credits scene introduced the "New Guardians," led by Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) and including Groot (Vin Diesel), Kraglin Obfonteri (Sean Gunn), Cosmo the Spacedog (voiced by Maria Bakalova), Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), and Phyla-Vell (Kai Zen).

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

The presence of Rocket and Groot, who are voice-only roles, makes them the most likely characters to continue their adventures in the MCU, as their actors are not subject to the same time and physical demands as the on-screen performers. A potential Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4 would almost certainly focus on this new, younger, and less-experienced team.

Furthermore, a title card at the very end of the film confirmed that "The Legendary Star-Lord Will Return," strongly suggesting that Chris Pratt’s Peter Quill will make future appearances in the MCU, likely as a solo character or in a crossover event like a future Avengers film. His story arc concluded with him returning to Earth to reconnect with his family, opening up new, grounded narrative possibilities.

The Stellar Supporting Cast and Their Impact

Beyond the core team, the supporting cast of Vol. 3 introduced compelling characters that have their own potential futures. Chukwudi Iwuji delivered a chilling performance as the main antagonist, the High Evolutionary, a character whose fate was left ambiguous enough for a possible return. Will Poulter’s introduction as the immensely powerful Adam Warlock was a major moment, and his inclusion in the New Guardians team solidifies his future within the MCU. The return of Nathan Fillion as Master Karja and Sylvester Stallone as Stakar Ogord further highlighted the depth of the cosmic universe James Gunn created.

The legacy of the *Guardians of the Galaxy* cast is one of turning obscure comic book characters into global icons. Their success has paved the way for more ensemble-driven, high-stakes, and deeply emotional superhero narratives. While the original journey has ended, the individual careers of the Guardians of the Galaxy actors, and their surprising new partnerships, are just beginning to reach new heights.