The Guardians Of The Galaxy Cast: 7 Shocking New Projects And Their Post-MCU Future In 2025

The galaxy-saving crew of misfits officially said goodbye to their original form in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, marking a definitive end to one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's most beloved trilogies. As of late 2024, the question on every fan's mind is: What is next for Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Nebula, and Mantis? The stellar cast, led by director James Gunn, has now scattered across Hollywood, taking on roles that range from animated cats to major DC and spy franchises. The information below is the most current look at the main cast’s biographies and their exciting, fresh slate of projects for 2025 and beyond, proving their careers are far from over.

The final chapter was an emotional and critical success, but it left the future of the core characters—Peter Quill, Rocket, and Groot—ambiguous, while confirming the departures of others, most notably Dave Bautista's Drax the Destroyer. This article dives into the full profiles of the main cast and reveals the surprising new films and series they are tackling, ensuring you have the most up-to-date information on the stars who defined Marvel's cosmic corner.

The Core Guardians: Full Cast Biography and Profile

The success of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise rests entirely on the chemistry and dedication of its main ensemble. Here is a comprehensive look at the principal actors who brought the beloved characters to life, complete with their key biographical details and most notable works outside the MCU.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

• Chris Pratt (Peter Quill / Star-Lord)
  • Born: June 21, 1979 (Virginia, Minnesota, U.S.)
  • Notable Works: Pratt is known for his dual career in comedy and action, rising to fame as Andy Dwyer on the TV series Parks and Recreation before starring in blockbusters like Jurassic World and voicing Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
  • Current Status: The post-credits scene of Vol. 3 confirmed Peter Quill will return to the MCU, but no specific project has been announced yet.
• Zoe Saldaña (Gamora)
  • Born: June 19, 1978 (Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.)
  • Notable Works: Saldaña holds the unique distinction of starring in three of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time: the MCU, the Avatar series (as Neytiri), and the rebooted Star Trek series (as Nyota Uhura).
  • Current Status: She has stated that Vol. 3 is likely her last time playing Gamora, as the character's arc feels complete.
• Dave Bautista (Drax the Destroyer)
  • Born: January 18, 1969 (Washington, D.C., U.S.)
  • Notable Works: A former WWE Champion, Bautista successfully transitioned to acting with major roles in Blade Runner 2049, Dune, and the James Bond film Spectre.
  • Current Status: Bautista has been very clear that he is done playing Drax, stating he is relieved to move on from the extensive makeup process.
• Karen Gillan (Nebula)
  • Born: November 28, 1987 (Inverness, Scotland)
  • Notable Works: Before becoming the blue-skinned Nebula, Gillan was globally recognized for playing Amy Pond in the iconic British sci-fi series Doctor Who and Martha in the Jumanji film series.
  • Current Status: Nebula remains part of the New Guardians team, suggesting her return in a future MCU project is highly probable.
• Pom Klementieff (Mantis)
  • Born: May 3, 1986 (Quebec City, Canada)
  • Notable Works: Klementieff is known for her role as the villainous Paris in the Mission: Impossible franchise and her breakout role in the Spike Lee-directed remake of Oldboy.
  • Current Status: Mantis is now on a solo journey of self-discovery, leaving her future in the MCU open, though she remains a fan-favorite for a spin-off.
• Voice Actors: Vin Diesel (Groot) and Bradley Cooper (Rocket)
  • Key Fact: Both actors are legendary in their own right, with Diesel leading the Fast & Furious franchise and Cooper being a multi-Oscar-nominated actor, writer, and director.
  • Surprising Detail: Director James Gunn confirmed that neither Vin Diesel nor Bradley Cooper ever needed to be on the set of any Guardians of the Galaxy film to record their lines, a testament to the magic of voice acting.

The Shocking New Projects: Where to See the Cast in 2025

While the original team’s journey is complete, the actors are busier than ever. Their upcoming slate of films and television shows in 2025 and 2026 demonstrates their commitment to diverse, high-profile roles, moving beyond their Marvel personas.

Chris Pratt: From Star-Lord to Animated Icon and Action Hero

Chris Pratt has cemented his status as a leading man with a packed schedule of highly anticipated projects:

• The Garfield Movie (2024): Pratt lends his voice to the titular lazy, lasagna-loving cat in this new animated feature, a major departure from Star-Lord’s heroic antics.
• The Terminal List Season 2: He will reprise his role as Navy SEAL James Reece in the second season of the successful action-thriller series on Amazon Prime Video.
• The Electric State (2025): Directed by the Russo Brothers (who helmed Avengers: Endgame), this sci-fi adventure film co-stars Millie Bobby Brown and is set for a Netflix release, promising a high-budget reunion with former MCU collaborators.
• Mercy (2026): An upcoming sci-fi thriller from Amazon MGM Studios, demonstrating Pratt's continued focus on the action-adventure genre.

Zoe Saldaña: Returning to Her Blockbuster Roots and Prestige TV

Zoe Saldaña, the only actor to star in the top two highest-grossing films of all time (Avatar and Avengers: Endgame), is focusing on major sequels and prestige projects:

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

• Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025): Saldaña will return as Neytiri in the third installment of James Cameron's record-breaking Avatar saga, a role that will keep her at the forefront of global cinema.
• Lioness Season 2 (2024): She is set to return in the critically acclaimed Paramount+ spy thriller series, where she stars alongside Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman.
• Emilia Pérez (2024): A highly anticipated musical crime comedy where Saldaña stars alongside Selena Gomez, showcasing her versatility in a unique, award-contending film.

Karen Gillan and Pom Klementieff: Crossing Genres and Franchises

The duo known for their incredible physical transformation and on-screen chemistry are diversifying their résumés:

• Karen Gillan's New Roles: She starred in the 2024 crime thriller Sleeping Dogs alongside Russell Crowe and the coming-of-age comedy Late Bloomers. Her upcoming role in the Stephen King adaptation The Life of Chuck is one to watch.
• Pom Klementieff's Spy Life: Klementieff is set to return as the deadly Paris in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025), confirming her place as a major action star outside of Marvel.
• The DC Universe Connection: Klementieff is also reportedly in talks for a role in James Gunn’s new DC Universe, which would reunite the director and his Mantis star in a new comic book world, possibly as Huntress.

Lesser-Known Facts and Behind-the-Scenes Secrets from Vol. 3

To truly appreciate the cast's work, one must look at the immense effort that went into the final installment, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. These lesser-known details highlight the unique challenges and dedication of the actors.

One of the most surprising facts involves the sheer amount of prosthetic makeup required for the film. The character of Nebula, played by Karen Gillan, required approximately five hours in the makeup chair for the first two films, though this time was significantly reduced for Vol. 3 due to technological advances and a streamlined process.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

However, the most challenging makeup job belonged to Chukwudi Iwuji, who played the terrifying villain The High Evolutionary. His intricate, multi-layered prosthetic and costume required hours of daily application, a testament to the film's commitment to practical effects. The transformation was so complete that many fans did not realize it was the same actor who had previously worked with James Gunn on the HBO Max series Peacemaker.

The emotional core of the film, centered on Rocket Raccoon's tragic backstory, was a masterclass in voice acting. Bradley Cooper’s ability to convey deep pain and vulnerability, despite never being on set with his co-stars, is a constant source of fascination for fans. This separation of the voice actors (Cooper and Diesel) from the main, on-set cast is a unique feature of the franchise that few blockbuster series share.

Finally, the cast’s emotional farewell was genuine. Dave Bautista’s decision to retire Drax was based on his desire to pursue more dramatic roles and avoid the physical toll of the makeup, making his final tearful scenes in Vol. 3 a true, heartfelt goodbye to the character and his "found family" of castmates. The movie’s ending, with the formation of the New Guardians of the Galaxy team featuring Rocket, Groot, Kraglin, Cosmo, and Adam Warlock, ensures the franchise continues, even as the original legendary lineup moves on to new Hollywood adventures.