Credit: Marvel StudiosIt’s hard to tell which direction Disney is taking the Marvel Cinematic Universe these days. Between shifting release schedules, new faces replacing old ones, and the occasional surprise cameo, fans never know who might appear next. But when it comes to one familiar face, the silence is deafening—and the odds aren’t looking good. The future of Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord is up in the air, and many are starting to wonder if his MCU journey might be over.
Pratt’s departure isn’t official, but if Marvel’s recent moves are any indication, it may only be a matter of time before they shut the door for good. And with the way the studio’s storytelling has evolved since his last appearance, it’s not hard to see why the possibility of his return is starting to feel like wishful thinking.
Where the MCU Left Off with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
The last time fans saw Star-Lord was in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023), a film that felt like a conclusion and a farewell. The movie centered around the Guardians’ desperate mission to save Rocket after he suffers life-threatening injuries. This rescue sends the team on a collision course with the High Evolutionary, a villain obsessed with genetic perfection and cruelty in equal measure.
By the time the credits rolled, the Guardians had gone their separate ways. Mantis chose to explore the galaxy on her own. Nebula stayed to help rebuild Knowhere. Rocket stepped up as the new captain. And Peter Quill—after years of loss, heartbreak, and space battles—decided to return to Earth to reconnect with his grandfather.
It was a bittersweet ending that gave each character closure but also cracked the door open for possible returns. Star-Lord’s on-screen note ended with “The Legendary Star-Lord will return,” which seemed like a promise. Fast-forward to today, and that promise is starting to feel like a hollow tease.
Where the MCU Stands Now
Marvel is deep into Phase 6, shifting the focus toward entirely new heroes. The Fantastic Four: First Steps just launched, and it’s serving as a massive stepping stone toward the upcoming Doomsday event that will unite (and possibly destroy) countless Marvel worlds. The cosmic stakes are as high as they’ve ever been, but the roster of players looks very different from the days of the Infinity Saga.
With Reed Richards, Sue Storm, and Johnny Storm now leading Marvel’s cosmic frontier, there’s little sign that Star-Lord is in the picture. The Fantastic Four film is already packed with new and returning characters from across the Multiverse, and Pratt’s name hasn’t surfaced in any rumors, leaks, or official announcements.
This only fuels the growing belief that Marvel may be moving on without him.
James Gunn’s Shift to DC
Much of the uncertainty surrounding Star-Lord’s return comes down to James Gunn. As the director and creative force behind all three Guardians films, Gunn played a considerable role in shaping Pratt’s MCU character. Without him, it’s hard to imagine Star-Lord having the same spark or tone.
But Gunn has officially traded Marvel’s cosmic playground for DC’s rebooted cinematic universe. He’s not just dabbling in DC—he’s running it. His schedule is packed with a follow-up to Superman (2025) and the potential development of a Supergirl film starring Milly Alcock, who appeared briefly at the end of Superman. Add to that the upcoming Peacemaker Season 2—arriving at the end of this month—and it’s clear that Gunn’s focus is nowhere near Marvel.
Even if Marvel wanted to wait for Gunn to return to the Guardians franchise, it could be years before he has the time or interest. By then, the MCU will likely be in an entirely new era, possibly leaving Star-Lord and his team as a nostalgic footnote rather than an active part of the story.
The Chris Pratt Factor
Beyond scheduling conflicts and creative shifts, there’s another uncomfortable reality: Chris Pratt himself has become a polarizing figure. While he remains a box-office draw in franchises like Jurassic World, he’s also faced constant online criticism over his personal beliefs and affiliations.
Marvel and Disney have shown increasing caution when dealing with potentially divisive talent. It’s entirely possible that rather than navigating the PR minefield of bringing Pratt back, the studio might simply move on. They could recast Star-Lord, quietly retire him, or sidestep the Guardians entirely in favor of new characters who come without the same level of controversy.
Could Star-Lord Return Without Gunn?
Technically, Marvel could bring back Star-Lord in a new project under a different director, much like how the Russo brothers handled characters introduced by other filmmakers. But it’s a risky move. Gunn’s humor, music choices, and heart-driven storytelling are deeply tied to the Guardians’ identity. Without him, the character could lose much of what made him resonate with audiences in the first place.
Disney might decide it’s better to avoid that risk altogether—especially when the MCU’s current focus is on building up new franchises like Fantastic Four. Star-Lord could end up in the same category as Tony Stark or Steve Rogers: a beloved hero whose story feels complete, despite the broken hearts of fans.
A Legend’s Last Ride?
When Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 ended, fans were promised Star-Lord would return. A year later, that promise is slipping through Marvel’s fingers. With the studio’s focus on new heroes, Gunn’s busy DC slate, and the ongoing debate over Pratt’s public image, there’s a real chance we’ve already seen his last adventure.
For now, Star-Lord remains on Earth—both in the MCU and reality—waiting for a call that may never come. And unless Marvel changes course, the “Legendary” title might be the only part of him that survives into the MCU’s future.