After portraying Gamora in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for several years, Zoe Saldana has announced her retirement from the franchise following the release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
The upcoming film has been revealed to be an endpoint for some of the beloved characters, and director James Gunn has teased it as a farewell to the current team. In addition to Saldana, Dave Bautista, who plays Drax, has also announced his departure from the MCU after Guardians 3.
Saldana has even suggested that if Gamora were to make an appearance in the future, she would prefer to have the character recast. She has expressed that she wouldn't be disappointed if she didn't return to the role.
Now, the actor's retirement from Marvel is official.
Zoe Saldana To Retire From MCU
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Zoe Saldana announced her official retirement from Marvel and her role as Gamora.
Saldana said "It is the end for me, for Gamora," though she is not as certain about the rest of the team:
"I don’t think this is the end for the Guardians. It is the end for me, for Gamora."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Guardians of the Galaxy franchise director James Gunn almost killed off Gamora in Vol. 2, and Saldana had not anticipated bringing the character beyond the first film.
In an emotional goodbye on the last day of filming as Gamora, Saldana expressed her gratitude to Gunn for the various things he did for her over the years:
"I thanked James for just his time and his patience and his guidance and his friendship."
While Saldana's words of gratitude to the director show her gratitude, her actions following Gunn's initial firing from Marvel show her respect for him too. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Saldana spoke directly with Marvel executives about bringing him back.
Is Gamora's Fate in Guardians 3 Grim?
With Zoe Saldana now retired from her role as Gamora, fans are left wondering if the character will meet her end once again in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. While Saldana has suggested a recast, it remains to be seen if Gamora will appear in future Marvel films.
The upcoming third installment of the Guardians franchise is expected to be a farewell to the current team, with fans anticipating heart-wrenching goodbyes. So far, Drax and Rocket have been speculated as potential casualties, given Dave Bautista's announcement of retirement from the MCU and Rocket's seemingly dire fate teased in promotional material.
However, with the same logic applied to Drax, Gamora may also be in danger of facing a second death. Her first death occurred in Avengers: Infinity War back in 2018. If this were to happen, seeing the team react to losing Gamora once again would undoubtedly be a poignant moment in the already emotional film.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hits theaters on Friday, May 5.