Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 2023

Peter is grappling with a deep depression, stemming from the fact that Gamora has lost her memories of their shared past. While at their updated base on Knowhere, the Guardians of the Galaxy find themselves facing an unexpected assault led by Adam Warlock, portrayed by Will Poulter, a fierce warrior birthed by High Priestess Ayesha, played by Elizabeth Debicki. Ayesha seeks vengeance for the thefts committed by the Guardians. Adam swiftly overpowers Rocket, Mantis, Peter Nebula, and Groot. Even Kraglin’s arrows are ineffective against his toughened exterior, and Drax, performed by Dave Bautista, is easily subdued.

In a dramatic turn, after injuring Rocket, Adam is confronted by Nebula, who manages to stab him, forcing him to retreat. Amidst the chaos, the Guardians discover that their medical packs are inadequate for treating Rocket’s severe injuries, as he has a kill switch embedded within him, designed by Orgocorp, a company helmed by the High Evolutionary, played by Chukwudi Iwuji. This kill switch is identified by the ominous code 89P13.

Determined to save Rocket, the Guardians embark on a mission to Orgocorp’s headquarters to locate the code needed to disable the kill switch. Meanwhile, Kraglin takes charge of Knowhere, accompanied by Cosmos, whom he jokingly brands as an ugly dog.

As Rocket lies motionless, visions of his past start to unfold. He recalls being a mere baby raccoon, subjected to brutal experiments orchestrated by the High Evolutionary, an alien cyborg scientist and the brain behind OrgoCorp. The High Evolutionary aims to enhance all living beings into a so-called “superior race” and claims credit for crafting various hybrids such as the Animen, Humanimals, and others in pursuit of an ideal society known as Counter-Earth.

During his time at the laboratory, Rocket formed a bond with fellow test subjects, including the otter Lylla, voiced by Linda Cardellini, the walrus Teefs, portrayed by Asim Chaudhry, and the rabbit Floor, who is voiced by Mikaela Hoover. The High Evolutionary, impressed by Rocket’s rising intellectual abilities, sought his guidance to rectify defects in subsequent Humanimal batches while plotting to extract Rocket’s brain for future experimentation and eliminate the obsolete Batch 89.

In a fit of rage after witnessing the High Evolutionary murder Lylla and taunt him over her death, Rocket retaliates by mauled the villain’s face. Amidst a chaotic firefight, his friends Teefs and Floor are ultimately killed, prompting Rocket to flee in a spaceship, burdened by his grief and loss.

Fast forward to the present, and Ayesha is in cahoots with the High Evolutionary, who seethes with anger upon discovering Ayesha has kept the secret of 89P13 for far too long, threatening to annihilate her entire Sovereign race if Rocket is not returned.

The Guardians receive support from the Ravagers, including a variant of Gamora, played by Zoe Saldana, as they infiltrate Orgocorp. Peter attempts to ignite familiar feelings in Gamora regarding their past romance, but she insists that the love he speaks of belonged to a different version of herself. Gamora candidly mentions that it sounds as though Peter has feelings for Nebula, played by Karen Gillan.

Orgocorp unveils itself as a living entity, and Gamora aids their entry through a decompression chamber. However, their discovery within Orgocorp triggers a frantic fight against the sentinels, culminating in Groot, voiced by Vin Diesel arriving aboard their spaceship to assist in their escape.

In the midst of their quest, they learn the override code has been erased, likely by Theel, one of the High Evolutionary’s advisors. This corporation has been underhandedly funding morally questionable experiments outside the constraints of Inter-Galactic law, leading the Guardians and Gamora to Counter-Earth where they suspect a trap awaits, targeting Rocket.

A fierce gamble ensues as the team tries to find Rocket while combatting the High Evolutionary’s forces. Gamora manages to rescue Rocket from Adam Warlock and the dangerous guards, and when questioned by Peter, the High Evolutionary cruelly reveals his destructive intent towards Counter-Earth, eliminating the Humanimals and Ayesha in a horrific display that incites fury within Adam.

As tensions rise, Gamora is forced to reassess her alliances with Adam, leading to a diverse retreat strategy where Drax, Mantis, and Nebula unexpectedly join forces with genetically modified children. Quill interrupts a dire exchange, striking a deal with the High Evolutionary in a desperate attempt to save his friends.

Amidst the chaos, the Guardians rally for a climactic battle against the High Evolutionary. With help from Kraglin, they boldly confront the opposition, resulting in a decisive victory that allows them to liberate the oppressed creatures under the High Evolutionary’s control.

In the dramatic conclusion, Rocket chooses compassion over vengeance, sparing the High Evolutionary after tirelessly rescuing the imprisoned animals. Peter, realizing the time has come for a new chapter, designates Rocket as the new leader and embarks on a journey back to Earth to reconnect with his grandfather, Jason, skillfully played by Gregg Henry.

Meanwhile, Mantis sets out on a path of self-discovery alongside the Abilisks, Gamora reintegrates with the Ravagers, and Nebula, together with Drax, commits to nurturing the liberated children on Knowhere.

In an exciting mid-credits scene, a refreshed team of Guardians has emerged, featuring Rocket, Groot, Kraglin, Cosmos, Adam, and the resourceful Phyla among them, embarking on an all-new cosmic adventure.