In a recent interview, James Gunn might have let slip that Chris Pratt is gearing up to return to the MCU as Peter Quill, a.k.a. Star-Lord from the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. Filmmaker James Gunn produced three Guardians of the Galaxy feature films and a Special Presentation for Marvel Studios before departing for DC Studios, each of which starred Chris Pratt as Peter Quill. Quill, the son of the Celestial Ego, was abducted from Earth as a child in the ’80s and raised in space by Yondu and the Ravagers, making him a unique MCU hero.

Chris Pratt was an inspired casting choice for Peter Quill’s Star-Lord, and he has filled the cosmic character with humor, personality, emotion and vulnerability in the decade since his debut. Marvel Studios has already teased Chris Pratt’s return as the Legendary Star-Lord, but there hasn’t yet been any word on exactly when Peter Quill might reappear in the MCU. Now, however, James Gunn might have accidentally teased Chris Pratt’s return as Star-Lord, suggesting it could take place sooner than anybody first suspected.

James Gunn Has Given Chris Pratt His Blessing To Continue As The MCU’s Star-Lord

The Guardians Of The Galaxy Cast Could Return To The MCU

Following the premiere of the DC Universe’s first project following its reboot, Creature Commandos, DC Studios’ co-CEO James Gunn spoke to Josh Horowitz on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, and revealed more about his current relationship with Marvel Studios. Gunn’s controversial 2018 firing from Marvel led him into DC’s arms, though he returned for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and the Holiday Special before officially leaving. He revealed he’d love to see more Guardians of the Galaxy stories in the MCU, however, particularly those featuring Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord.

I’m excited for them to go do whatever they want to with Guardians, I would love them to take those characters and see more stories with them. Chris [Pratt] has my blessing, everybody, they all have my blessing. Chris keeps saying, ‘Is this okay? Is this okay?’ and I’m like, ‘Dude, whatever, I’m totally okay with whatever you do, you go do it.’ I mean, he’s one of my very close friends, and I would love to see him be Star-Lord again.

James Gunn confirmed that he has given his “blessing” to all the former cast members of the MCU’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise for them to reprise their roles in the MCU even though he won’t be returning. While the likes of Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista and Vin Diesel likely won’t be reprising their roles, others, including Chris Pratt, have left the door open for their return. Funnily enough, during his interview on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, James Gunn might have accidentally revealed that Pratt’s return will be happening very soon indeed.

Chris Pratt May Currently Be Working On A Project For The MCU

Chris Pratt Has Already Been Teased To Be Returning As The Legendary Star-Lord

It’s worth noting that James Gunn suggests on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast that Chris Pratt keeps saying, “Is this okay? Is this okay?”Gunn’s use of present tense here implies that Pratt has recently been asking for the filmmaker’s blessing to return as Peter Quill’s Star-Lord in the MCU, which suggests that Pratt is currently working on a new project with Marvel Studios, or is at least in talks to return. The tag at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 confirmed The Legendary Star-Lord will return, and this could now actually be coming to fruition.

Since his debut as Peter Quill’s Star-Lord, Chris Pratt has appeared in seven projects in the MCU, including the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, the Holiday Special, Infinity War, Endgame and Thor: Love and Thunder. Since the release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, there has been speculation regarding when he could be returning to the MCU, with theories floating the idea of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4 or a dedicated Legendary Star-Lord spinoff. There are many upcoming opportunities for Star-Lord to return, some of which could bring him back very soon.

When Could Star-Lord Return To The MCU?

Peter Quill’s Star-Lord Has Many Opportunities To Reappear

Even though there has been no confirmation from Marvel Studios regarding the development of a new Guardians of the Galaxy sequel or a solo spinoff focused on Peter Quill’s Legendary Star-Lord, there are still plenty of places Quill can reappear. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 ended with Peter Quill leaving the Guardians team and returning to Earth to reunite with his grandfather. Quill’s new Earthly residence may perfectly set him up to become a member of the MCU’s new Avengers team, leading to his return in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.

Peter Quill’s MCU Project
Year

Guardians of the Galaxy
2014

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
2017

Avengers: Infinity War
2018

Avengers: Endgame
2019

Thor: Love and Thunder
2022

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
2022

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
2023

Filming on Avengers: Doomsday is expected to begin in mid-2025, so Chris Pratt would likely now be in talks to reprise his role in the Phase 6 crossover movie. However, it’s possible he could return much sooner. Sam Wilson’s Captain America will be urged to rebuild the Avengers in February’s Captain America: Brave New World, and this team could include Star-Lord. Additionally, reshoots are taking place for May’s Thunderbolts*, and there’s nothing to stop Peter Quill joining the new MCU antihero team. Following James Gunn’s comments, it’s very possible we could see Star-Lord back in the MCU imminently.