James Gunn Explains Why Guardians Of The Galaxy 3’s Comic-Con Trailer Isn’t Online

Baby Groot in Guardians Vol. 2
(Image credit: Marvel Studios)

Last week was San Diego Comic-Con, which is a thrilling time for TV and film fans. We were treated to a number of exciting updates from the MCU, including one of the most highly anticipated upcoming Marvel movies: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Those lucky enough to be in Hall H got to see the first footage from the blockbuster, but it hasn’t been released to the masses. And James Gunn recently explained why Guardians 3’s trailer isn’t online just yet.

Guardians of the Galaxy is definitely a fan favorite franchise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with James Gunn balancing heart and humor with the cosmic heroes. Vol. 3 was delayed a number of years due to the filmmaker’s (temporary) firing, so fans are eager for any information regarding its contents. Gunn was recently asked on Twitter why the Comic-Con trailer hasn’t arrived online, responding honestly with:

I wish you could have too. But it’s not just Marvel, it’s also me. Although I love the teaser some VFX aren’t where I’d want them to be for repeated views & close inspection - remember we didn’t wrap long ago - so you’ll have to wait just a beat! Sorry!

Well, there you have it. It looks like the footage debuted during San Diego Comic-Con wasn’t fully completed. And as such, Marvel Studios won’t be releasing it to the masses any time soon. Instead, James Gunn and company want to finesse the visual effects before allowing the trailer to be watched millions of times on YouTube. Smart move.

James Gunn’s comments come from his personal Twitter, and is just the latest example of the filmmaker directly communicating with movie fans out there. He’s super generous on social media, fielding questions and shutting down rumors about his various TV and film projects. And since Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has offered a first glimpse to Comic-Con attendees, the other fans outside of San Diego are ready to get in on the fun. 

Unfortunately, it’s unclear when the larger Marvel fan base will be treated to the first footage for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Perhaps it’ll be timed with the release of another Marvel movie, which has become a common practice. The next of these blockbusters is Black Panther 2 this coming fall. Fingers crossed we also get to see beloved Guardians like Rocket and Gamora via a trailer.

James Gunn has maintained that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was going to end the story of the current team, which he once again mentioned at Comic-Con. As such, the stakes certainly seem high for the mysterious threequel. Luckily the blockbuster will be preceded by the Guardians Holiday Special and the Groot shorts on Disney+.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is currently expected to arrive in theaters on May 5th, 2023. In the meantime, check out the 2022 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

Corey Chichizola
Movies Editor

Corey was born and raised in New Jersey. Graduated with degrees theater and literature from Ramapo College of New Jersey. After working in administrative theater for a year in New York, he started as the Weekend Editor at CinemaBlend. He's since been able to work himself up to reviews, phoners, and press junkets-- and is now able to appear on camera with some of his favorite actors... just not as he would have predicted as a kid. He's particularly proud of covering horror franchises like Scream and Halloween, as well as movie musicals like West Side Story. Favorite interviews include Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more.