Because of the sheer volume, even many MCU fans don’t want to watch all the Marvel movies and series anymore. However, “The Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special” is not only funny, but also of great importance for “Guardians Of The Galaxy 3”.
Three series, three films, plus two mid-length specials: In 2022, it was again not easy for Marvel fans to follow all the new MCU adventures and keep up with the latest developments and events in the Avengers universe. On top of that: with a series like “Moon Knight” or “She-Hulk” it is currently not entirely clear where they are going at all and whether it is even absolutely necessary to have seen them for future events in the MCU.
So we fully understand if anyone misses these series or hasn’t caught up on one of the three MCU theatrical films in 2022. But if you’re planning to watch Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3, don’t miss The Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special, which is now available to stream on Disney+:
The Holiday Special sets up a number of developments that will play a role in the trilogy finale “Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3”, which opens in German cinemas on 3 May 2023.
We learn that the Guardians have bought the space station Knowhere (the giant skull of a Celestial) from the Collector (Benicio del Toro). We also see a Groot who has grown considerably and get to know a new team member: Space Dog Cosmo has telekinetic powers (!) and, after a cameo appearance in the first part, is now voiced by Oscar-nominated Maria Bakalova for “Borat 2. “
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is a charming and heartfelt installment in the MCU. James Gunn and the team have done it once again. The Guardians continue to prove to be the best family in the MCU & you’ll fall in love with them so much more. Bring on Guardians 3!!!
– Matt Ramos (@therealsupes) November 19, 2022
In addition, a surprising relationship between two Guardians members (!) is revealed right in the first few minutes of the Holiday Special. And that’s no coincidence, as director and screenwriter James Gunn, who is also responsible for the “Guardians Of The Galaxy” movies, revealed to us in an interview:
“Everything we learn in Holiday Special will be a part of ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3,'” Gunn said. “I quickly realised that I could use the Holiday Special as a kind of Trojan horse to accommodate the plot elements that I didn’t want to deal with at the beginning of ‘Volume 3.’ Like Cosmo being part of the team now, or them buying Knowhere from the Collector and setting up their base in it now.”
Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista and James Gunn
In addition, Gunn also reiterated in the interview that the developments in the “Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special” had been prepared long in advance and had been part of his plan from the very beginning. You can read the complete interview – including some spoiler-heavy questions – here at FILMSTARTS this weekend.
By the way, the Holiday Special is always at its best when Gunn is either preparing “Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3” or letting the Guardians off the leash in his usual chaotic manner and with a grandiose background music. The Christmas film part, on the other hand, is very predictable and lacks surprises, which is why “The Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special” receives “only” a solid 3 out of 5 stars in the official FILMSTARTS review.
