Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is confirmed to take place in the present day of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), likely in early 2026. This is based on its placement in the Disney+ timeline and narrative context. The movie references events such as Gamora’s death and Groot’s growth, indicating that it takes place at least two years after Avengers: Endgame. While the accuracy of Disney+’s timeline order is debatable, it is important to note that multiple movies and shows can occur simultaneously in the MCU, allowing for flexibility in the timeline.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 marks the end of the Guardians’ trilogy and sets the stage for the MCU’s Multiverse Saga. It concludes with the cosmic team’s final mission together, which is expedited when Rocket Raccoon is critically injured by Adam Warlock. This closing of an era and opening of a new one aligns with the upcoming Avengers films, The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars, which may feature a new version of the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Disney+ added Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to its Marvel library on August 2, 2023. According to the Multiverse Saga section in Disney+, the movie is positioned between Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Secret Invasion, indicating a present-day setting in late 2025 or early 2026. While exact dates for each MCU release remain ambiguous, there are other clues that confirm Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’s place in the timeline.
Despite its cosmic setting, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has subtle connections to Avengers: Endgame and its aftermath. Star-Lord is still mourning the death of Gamora and her replacement with a new variant, and Nebula mentions that Gamora has been absent from the Guardians for a few years. Additionally, Groot has noticeably grown between Thor: Love and Thunder and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, indicating that a significant amount of time has passed since Avengers: Endgame.
Director James Gunn has previously stated on Twitter that he imagines “a couple years” between Avengers: Endgame and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Taking this into account, the Christmas setting of The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special suggests that the events of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 must occur after December 2025, confirming an early 2026 timeline.
While Disney+’s MCU timeline is presented in release order, it may not be necessary to strictly adhere to it. Multiple movies and shows can happen simultaneously in the MCU, and certain events can occur out of order. For example, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special serves as a prelude to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 but appears to be set before Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania on Disney+. Therefore, while Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’s place in Disney+’s timeline seems accurate, the order of the surrounding titles may not be as precise.
Overall, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is expected to take place in early 2026 in the present day of the MCU. While the exact accuracy of Disney+’s timeline order is uncertain, it is clear that multiple events can occur simultaneously in the MCU, providing flexibility in the timeline.
Source link
