The New Guardians: Where Is The Original Cast Now? (2025 Update)

The cosmic journey of the original Guardians of the Galaxy crew has officially reached its emotional conclusion, marking a monumental shift in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as of December 2025. After the definitive finality of *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3*, the highly popular ensemble cast has scattered across the cosmos, with some major stars confirming their permanent exit from their beloved roles, while others are set to headline exciting new MCU chapters. This article dives deep into the latest updates on the original cast's future, the shocking new Guardians roster, and where you can see your favorite actors next in 2024 and 2025. The landscape of the MCU’s cosmic quadrant has changed forever, leaving fans with a mix of sadness and anticipation for the future. The original *Guardians* era, masterfully guided by director James Gunn, saw the evolution of Peter Quill’s crew from a band of misfits into a true family, but their individual arcs have now led them down separate paths, paving the way for a new generation of galactic protectors.

The Original Guardians: Full Biography and Latest Projects (2024–2025)

The core cast members have cemented their legacies in the MCU, but their careers are now expanding into major new non-Marvel films and television series. Here is a detailed look at the biographical profile and up-to-the-minute project status for the main Guardians of the Galaxy actors.

• Chris Pratt (Star-Lord / Peter Quill)
  • Born: June 21, 1979 (Virginia, Minnesota, U.S.)
  • Role in GotG: Peter Quill / Star-Lord, the Ravager-raised leader of the Guardians.
  • Latest Updates: Pratt is the only original member confirmed to return to the MCU, with a title card at the end of *Vol. 3* stating "The Legendary Star-Lord Will Return." Rumors suggest he could be leading the *Annihilators* team-up movie, focusing on his new quest to find his grandfather on Earth.
  • Non-MCU Projects (2024–2025): Pratt is set to star in the sci-fi film *Mercy* and continues his voice work as Garfield in *The Garfield Movie* and Mario in the *Super Mario Bros.* sequels.
• Zoe Saldaña (Gamora)
  • Born: June 19, 1978 (Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.)
  • Role in GotG: Gamora, the "Most Dangerous Woman in the Galaxy," a former assassin and adopted daughter of Thanos. The *Vol. 3* version is a variant from 2014.
  • Latest Updates: Saldaña has confirmed she is "ready to move on" from the role and would support a future recasting of Gamora in the MCU. Her character's arc concluded as she joined the Ravagers.
  • Non-MCU Projects (2024–2025): She received critical acclaim for her role in the Netflix film *Emilia Pérez* and is heavily involved in the *Avatar* franchise, with *Avatar 3* and *Avatar 4* in various stages of production.
• Dave Bautista (Drax the Destroyer)
  • Born: January 18, 1969 (Washington, D.C., U.S.)
  • Role in GotG: Drax the Destroyer, a warrior seeking vengeance for the death of his family.
  • Latest Updates: Bautista has been the most vocal about his final departure from the role, stating that he is "completely closed" to returning as Drax. He feels the character's story is complete and is seeking "deeper" acting roles.
  • Non-MCU Projects (2024–2025): He continues his successful dramatic career, notably appearing as Beast Rabban in *Dune: Part Two*. Upcoming projects include *The Killer's Game* and the action film *Trap House*.
• Karen Gillan (Nebula)
  • Born: November 28, 1987 (Inverness, Scotland)
  • Role in GotG: Nebula, a cybernetically enhanced assassin and Gamora’s adopted sister.
  • Latest Updates: Nebula’s story concluded with her taking on a leadership role as part of the *New Guardians of the Galaxy* team, based on the final scene of *Vol. 3*. Her future in the MCU seems secure, though no specific projects have been announced.
  • Non-MCU Projects (2024–2025): Gillan is known for her roles in the *Jumanji* franchise and *Doctor Who*. Her recent focus includes various independent and voice acting projects.
• Pom Klementieff (Mantis)
  • Born: May 3, 1986 (Quebec City, Canada)
  • Role in GotG: Mantis, an empath with the power to sense and influence the emotions of others.
  • Latest Updates: Mantis's arc ended with her choosing to leave the team to find her own identity and explore the universe alone, accompanied by the Abilisk. Her return to the MCU is unknown but possible.
  • Non-MCU Projects (2024–2025): Klementieff has gained significant attention for her role in the *Mission: Impossible* franchise as the villainous Paris, with *Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two* scheduled for 2025.

The Shocking New Guardians of the Galaxy Roster

The biggest change following the events of *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* is the official introduction of a completely new team, a "Guardians 2.0" lineup. This shift ensures the *Guardians* name continues to protect the galaxy, even without Peter Quill, Gamora, Drax, and Mantis. The new roster is led by a fan-favorite character who underwent a massive emotional transformation in the final film. This team is considered the official lineup for any potential *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4* or future cosmic MCU appearances. The confirmed members of the New Guardians are:

• Rocket Raccoon (Voiced by Bradley Cooper): Now the undisputed leader of the team, Rocket's arc from a cynical mercenary to a compassionate captain is complete. Given his status as a voice role, his return is highly probable.
• Groot (Voiced by Vin Diesel): The now "Swole Groot" remains Rocket's loyal lieutenant and best friend. As a voice role, his presence is also expected in future cosmic storylines.
• Nebula (Played by Karen Gillan): Nebula has stepped up as a co-leader and tactical strategist. Her maturity and new outlook on life make her a vital anchor for the new team.
• Kraglin Obfonteri (Played by Sean Gunn): The former Ravager, now wielding Yondu's arrow (Yaka Arrow), has finally earned his place as a full-fledged Guardian.
• Cosmo the Space Dog (Voiced by Maria Bakalova): The telekinetic canine companion, introduced in the *Holiday Special*, is a crucial and powerful new member, bringing a unique set of abilities.
• Adam Warlock (Played by Will Poulter): The powerful Sovereign being, initially created to destroy the Guardians, joins the team as a new recruit, signaling his redemption and potential for immense power in future MCU phases.

This new *Guardians* squad, led by Rocket Raccoon, represents a powerful blend of veteran experience (Nebula, Kraglin) and new, immensely powerful additions (Adam Warlock, Cosmo), setting the stage for a different, yet equally exciting, future in the cosmos.

The Future of Star-Lord and The Cosmic MCU Landscape

The most significant development for the original cast centers on Chris Pratt's Peter Quill. While the team he built has moved on, his own journey is far from over. His return to Earth to reunite with his grandfather, Jason Quill, was a major character beat, but it's his potential return to space that has generated the most buzz. The confirmation that Star-Lord will return strongly suggests a role in upcoming MCU crossovers or a dedicated solo project. One prominent rumor points to Peter Quill headlining an Annihilators movie. The Annihilators are a powerful cosmic team in the Marvel Comics universe, often featuring characters like Beta Ray Bill, Silver Surfer, and Nova. Placing Star-Lord at the forefront of this new, powerful team would position him as a key figure in the MCU's cosmic future, potentially in MCU Phase 6 or beyond. The departure of key actors like Zoe Saldaña and Dave Bautista, coupled with the exit of director James Gunn to lead the rival DCU (DC Universe), solidifies *Vol. 3* as the definitive ending for the original *Guardians* iteration. This clean slate allows Marvel Studios to introduce new entities and storylines, keeping the cosmic side of the MCU fresh and unpredictable. The focus now shifts from the original six to the New Guardians Roster, ensuring the spirit of the franchise lives on under Rocket’s leadership. The legacy of the *Guardians of the Galaxy* cast is secure, having delivered one of the most beloved trilogies in the MCU. While the original family may be scattered, the galaxy remains in safe, albeit new, hands. The finality of their individual arcs is a rare and satisfying conclusion for a superhero team, opening the door for exciting new adventures for Star-Lord and the next generation of Guardians.