Marvel movies are generally known to have violent fight scenes which may sometimes involve blood. Guardians of the Galaxy especially, is also known for its crass humor and with Volume 3, it seems like Marvel has allowed James Gunn to push the boundaries a little more.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, strong language, suggestive/drug references and thematic elements. This means that the movie may not be appropriate for children aged below 13.
GOTG Vol.3 is definitely the darkest and most intense movie of the trilogy. James Gunn meant for it to be an emotional goodbye to all the characters, and he’s definitely achieved that.
It’s possible that James Gunn has included more serious topics in this movie to cater to the older audiences that have grown up with the series over the last decade. Marvel may have also given him a little more freedom considering that this is his last movie with them.
Guardians of the Galaxy 3 has got the same age rating as any other Marvel movie. But if you’re planning to watch it with kids, there are some things I should warn you about before you go (without giving away any major spoilers).
1. Violence & Grotesque Imagery
Like any other movie involving the Guardians, GOTG Vol.3 has heavy usage of space-like weapons resembling guns, swords and knives in intense combat sequences. The fight scenes are quite entertaining but younger audiences may find them uncomfortable to watch.
In some scenes of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3, the enemies get stabbed or dismembered. There are also visuals of tearing away skin, human and creature disembowelment, gaping wounds, beheadings, and loads of blood.
Certain death scenes and monstrous intergalactic creatures may not necessarily be kid-friendly either. James Gunn has really turned up the dial for the gory elements of this movie.
2. Animal Cruelty
The GOTG Vol.3 trailer told us that the movie is going to focus mainly on Rocket’s backstory and his time with the High Evolutionary. Rocket was subject to some really harsh and unethical experiments when he was younger, and this is what the movie shows us.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 has creepy visuals of medical equipment and tools being used on Rocket and his friends, as well as on other animals. Large and dangerous machines are also used on them while they scream in pain.
The torture and abuse scenes that the animals are forced to go through for their enhancements, along with the emotional trauma it causes them, are not easy to watch. The movie however doesn’t go into too much detail so as to not make it a horror film.
3. Strong Language
If you’ve seen the first two Volumes of Guardians of the Galaxy, you’ll know that the dialogues are quite easy-flowing, and the characters are prone to using swear words every now and then. Volume 3 is no different.
The biggest shock in GOTG Vol.3 (with respect to language) might be the fact that an F- bomb is dropped for the first time in the MCU, without being censored or cut-off. The word is used as comic relief and not really in a threatening sense, so you’ll probably hear it when you least expect it.
Besides the one f-word, the curse words used are similar to the ones you may have heard in other Marvel movies.
4. Adult Themes
Adult themes are the least of your worries since they are barely present in the movie. After all, Marvel movies are supposed to be family friendly.
In GOTG Vol.3, there is no sexual content or nudity. But there are references to selling meth as well as acting drunk and passing out. There is however no explicit consumption of alcohol or drug usage.
Overall, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 is most suitable for teenagers and adults. It’s an emotionally intense film filled with dark themes so unless you’re sure your child can handle the gore and violence, I wouldn’t recommend taking them with you to the theatre.
If you want to be extra cautious, you could maybe give the movie a watch once before deciding to take your child with you, or you could just wait for Disney+ to release a potentially censored version a few months from now.
5. About Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is an upcoming American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The High Evolutionary, Rocket’s creator, emerges to reclaim his creation threatening to destroy the Guardians to get what he wants. Star-Lord must lead his team and protect one of their own while dealing with his emotional turmoil over Gamora. The stakes are even higher as Adam Warlock hunts the team on the orders of The Sovereign’s leader, Ayesha.
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 is set to hit theaters on May 5, 2023. Previous cast members will reprise their roles, including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Karen Gillan, Sean Gunn, and Pom Klementieff. Will Poulter and Chukwudi Iwuji will join the cast as Adam Warlock and The High Evolutionary.
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