The Guardians Of The Galaxy Cast: Where Are The Original Heroes And The New Team Heading In 2025?

The cosmic journey of the Guardians of the Galaxy has reached a definitive, yet thrilling, new chapter following the emotional conclusion of Vol. 3 in 2023. As of December 2025, the original lineup has scattered across the galaxy, each actor moving on to major new projects, while a fresh team has officially been established to carry the mantle into the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The biggest news is not just about their individual movie roles, but a surprising crossover with the rival DC Universe, confirming that the relationships forged under director James Gunn are stronger than any franchise boundary.

The core question for fans is simple: Will the original cast ever reunite, and who exactly are the new heroes leading the next era of cosmic Marvel? This deep dive provides the most current information, detailing the full biographies of the iconic cast and their confirmed career trajectories through 2025 and beyond, including major film roles and their unexpected involvement in James Gunn’s new Superman movie.

The Original Guardians: A Complete Cast Biography and Departure Status

The original crew of the Milano and later the Bowie concluded their primary story arc in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, with each member finding a new path. While the door is left open for some, others have explicitly stated their farewell to the roles. Here is a look at the core actors who defined the franchise.

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• Chris Pratt (Peter Quill / Star-Lord)
  • Full Name: Christopher Michael Pratt
  • Born: June 21, 1979 (Age 46 in 2025)
  • MCU Role: The half-human leader of the Guardians, who returns to Earth at the end of Vol. 3.
  • Status: The mid-credits scene confirmed that "The Legendary Star-Lord Will Return," making his return highly likely in future MCU projects.
  • Recent & Upcoming Projects (2024–2025): Voice role as Garfield in The Garfield Movie (2024) and starring as Keats in the sci-fi film The Electric State (2025).
• Zoe Saldaña (Gamora)
  • Full Name: Zoë Yadira Saldaña Nazario
  • Born: June 19, 1978 (Age 47 in 2025)
  • MCU Role: The adopted daughter of Thanos and a highly skilled assassin. The Gamora who appears from Avengers: Endgame onwards is a past version who never joined the Guardians.
  • Status: Saldaña has been vocal about her desire to move on from the role. The character's arc ended with her joining the Ravagers.
  • Recent & Upcoming Projects (2024–2025): She has received critical acclaim, including a reported sweep of the 2025 awards season for her role in the Netflix film Emilia Pérez.
• Dave Bautista (Drax the Destroyer)
  • Full Name: David Michael Bautista Jr.
  • Born: January 18, 1969 (Age 56 in 2025)
  • MCU Role: The physically imposing warrior obsessed with revenge, who ultimately finds his purpose as a father figure to the children of Knowhere.
  • Status: Bautista has confirmed that he is finished playing Drax, stating that the character’s story is complete.
  • Recent & Upcoming Projects (2024–2025): Continues his acclaimed dramatic career, appearing as Glossu Rabban in Dune: Part Two (2024) and starring in the fantasy epic In the Lost Lands (2025). He was also inducted into the Academy’s Class of 2025.
• Karen Gillan (Nebula)
  • Full Name: Karen Sheila Gillan
  • Born: November 28, 1987 (Age 38 in 2025)
  • MCU Role: The cynical but heroic cybernetically-enhanced daughter of Thanos, who becomes a key leader of the Knowhere community.
  • Status: Gillan’s Nebula is set to remain a vital part of the MCU, taking on a leadership role on Knowhere alongside Drax.
  • Recent & Upcoming Projects (2024–2025): The Scottish actress continues to diversify her roles outside of the MCU.
• Pom Klementieff (Mantis)
  • Full Name: Pom Klementieff
  • Born: May 3, 1986 (Age 39 in 2025)
  • MCU Role: The empathetic insectoid alien with empathic powers, who leaves to discover her own identity.
  • Status: Mantis is on a journey of self-discovery, leaving her future MCU appearances uncertain but possible.
  • Recent & Upcoming Projects (2024–2025): She has a major role as Paris in the final two parts of the Mission: Impossible series (2023–2025), and is set to appear in The Killer's Game (2024).
• Vin Diesel (Groot)
  • Full Name: Mark Sinclair
  • Born: July 18, 1967 (Age 58 in 2025)
  • MCU Role: The tree-like humanoid and best friend to Rocket. He grows into a massive, muscular "Swole Groot" by the end of Vol. 3.
  • Status: Groot is confirmed to be part of the new Guardians team.
• Bradley Cooper (Rocket Raccoon)
  • Full Name: Bradley Charles Cooper
  • Born: January 5, 1975 (Age 50 in 2025)
  • MCU Role: The genetically and cybernetically enhanced raccoon and the heart of the team. He is named the new Captain of the Guardians.
  • Status: Rocket is the confirmed leader of the new team, ensuring Cooper’s voice role will continue to be central to the cosmic MCU.

The New Guardians of the Galaxy: Introducing the Cosmic Future

The mid-credits scene of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 didn't just hint at a continuation—it fully unveiled the new team, officially passing the torch to a younger, more diverse, and equally quirky group of cosmic heroes. This new lineup, led by Rocket Raccoon, is poised to take on the next wave of threats in the MCU’s cosmic timeline.

The confirmed members of the New Guardians of the Galaxy are:

• Rocket Raccoon (Leader)
• Groot (The new "Swole Groot")
• Kraglin Obfonteri (Sean Gunn): Formerly Yondu's first mate, now wielding the powerful Yaka Arrow.
• Cosmo the Spacedog (Voiced by Maria Bakalova): The highly intelligent, telekinetic dog who was a breakout star in the Holiday Special.
• Adam Warlock (Will Poulter): The sovereign-created being, initially an antagonist, who joins the team after his heel-turn redemption.
• Phyla-Vell: A powerful young girl rescued from the High Evolutionary’s experiments.

The inclusion of Adam Warlock, played by the talented Will Poulter, is a major shift. Poulter, born January 28, 1993, is known for his roles in The Maze Runner and The Revenant, and his casting as the MCU's powerful cosmic hero signals a significant, long-term investment in the character. Similarly, Maria Bakalova (born June 4, 1996), who voices Cosmo the Spacedog, brings an Oscar-nominated pedigree to the role, ensuring the character’s continued prominence.

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Beyond the MCU: Where The Cast Is Heading in 2024–2025

Perhaps the most unexpected and highly-anticipated news surrounding the Guardians of the Galaxy cast is their migration to the rival DC Universe, led by former Guardians director James Gunn. This move highlights the unique bond between the director and his actors, shattering the conventional barrier between Marvel and DC franchises.

The Guardians' Invasion of James Gunn's DC Universe

Following his appointment as co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn has begun casting his first major project, Superman, and has brought several familiar faces from his Marvel family with him. This is a massive, fresh update for 2025, confirming that the "Guardians Family" extends beyond the MCU’s cosmic walls.

• Pom Klementieff (Mantis): Klementieff is confirmed to appear in Superman, though her role is currently undisclosed, with some speculation pointing to a robotic character in the Fortress of Solitude.
• Michael Rooker (Yondu): The actor who played Yondu Udonta is also confirmed to have a role in Superman, potentially voicing a robot alongside Klementieff.
• Bradley Cooper (Rocket Raccoon): There are strong rumors that Cooper may take on a role, possibly even voicing Jor-El, Superman's biological father, though this remains unconfirmed by Gunn.

This unprecedented move to include multiple Guardians actors in the new DC franchise is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the cast and director, making their future filmography a must-watch for fans of both comic book universes.

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Major Film Projects and Topical Authority

The original cast is not just making headlines for their comic book roles; their 2024-2025 slate is filled with high-profile projects that solidify their status as A-list actors, adding significant topical authority to their careers:

The Sci-Fi and Action Blockbusters: Chris Pratt’s lead in The Electric State and his voice role in The Garfield Movie (2024) shows his continued dominance in major franchise cinema. Pom Klementieff’s pivotal role in the concluding Mission: Impossible films positions her as a major action star.

The Dramatic Powerhouses: Dave Bautista’s critically praised performance in the epic sci-fi film Dune: Part Two (2024) and his induction into the Academy highlight his successful transition from wrestling to serious acting. Zoe Saldaña’s reported Oscar-caliber performance in Emilia Pérez (2025) further cements her status as one of Hollywood’s most commercially and critically successful actresses, having starred in the three highest-grossing films of all time: Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Avengers: Endgame.

The future of the Guardians of the Galaxy cast is twofold: a vibrant new team is ready to take flight in the MCU’s cosmic arena, and the original heroes are spreading their influence across multiple major film franchises, including a surprising and exciting move into the rival DC Universe. The legacy of the original team is secure, and the new Guardians are ready to define their own legendary status.