Did Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 have a dig at Avengers Infinity War?

James Gunn has been blunt about his displeasure with a moment in Avengers: Infinity War, and a line in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 seems to back that up.

James Gun has overseen the entire Guardians of the Galaxy movie trilogy, co-writing and directing Vol 1, then writing and directing Vol 2 and Vol 3. As well as the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.

But between those movies, other filmmakers have taken charge of the characters, most notably the Russo brothers on the last two Avengers movies. And Gunn hasn’t always been happy with the results.

He’s even referenced a particular incident in GOTV Vol 3 via Peter Quill, so here’s the story behind that line.

What James Gunn dislikes in Avengers: Infinity War

During a wide-ranging interview with The Hollywood Reporter, James Gunn says that he “saw disconnects” between what he was doing on the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, and what happened in Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.

Regarding the work of the Avengers writers – as well as helmers Joe Russo and Anthony Russo – Gunn tells THR: “They did some things that I wouldn’t have wanted.”

The outlet then goes into specifics, stating: “Yes, he says, Star-Lord would have killed Gamora if she asked him to; no, he would not have punched Thanos and doomed the universe.” Whereby Peter Quill’s hot-headed actions enabled Thanos to enact ‘The Snap.’

How does Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 reference Avengers: Infinity War?

Star-Lord is drinking pretty heavily at the start of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Because he lost his love Gamora. And because he’s responsible for half of everyone dying.

During the new film’s daring raid to save Rocket’s life, he references the former by stating Gamora was thrown off a magic cliff. And in what feels like a dig at the latter, he admits: “Then I lost my temper and nearly destroyed the entire universe.”

When Peter puts it like that, it doesn’t sound like something Star-Lord would do. Which is probably why James Gunn put said line in the movie. Though with Chris Pratt saying he’d be open to again play the character if the circumstances are right, that might not be the last time Gunn is annoyed by what others do with his beloved characters.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is in cinemas now. You can read our review here, while for more on the movie, head to our dedicated GOTG page, or check out the below articles…

Best Easter Eggs | Pete Davidson cameo | Who dies? | Counter-Earth explained | Number of post-credits scenes | Avengers: Infinity War reference | Phyla-Vell explained | Is Yondu in GOTG 3? | Chris Pratt wants to return | Lylla, Teef and Floor explained | Does Rocket die? | Doctor Moreau influence | Adam Warlock, hero or villain? | High Evolutionary explained | Soundtrack details | Description of post-credit scenes | All actors and characters | Runtime explained | Why Rocket is the MVP | Is it streaming? | What is Blurp? | Ending explained | GOTG movies ranked | Will there be a Vol 4?