The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022): Cast & Ratings
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is a 2022 sci-fi comedy directed by James Gunn, starring Luke Klein as Young Peter Quill, Maria Bakalova and Sean Gunn. It runs 45 minutes. Its Echo Score is 83/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 45 min
- Director
- James Gunn
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Marvel Studios
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special About?
The premise of The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
The perfect present is a galaxy away. On a mission to make Christmas unforgettable for Quill, the Guardians head to Earth in search of the perfect present.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- christmas
- gift
- group
- marvel cinematic universe
- guardians of the galaxy
- holiday special
- holiday
- star lord character
- drax the destroyer character
- groot character
- superhero
- rocket raccoon character
+38 more Show fewer
- hero
- reference to jason voorhees
- dog
- empath
- trance
- part animated
- tv special
- spin off
- based on comic book
- based on comic
- galaxy
- laser
- reenactment
- furry
- kevin bacon character
- reference to batman
- reference to bruce wayne
- nebula character
- band
- singing
- reference to henry winkler
- reference to the fonz
- yondu character
- peter quill character
- cosmo the spacedog character
- scene after end credits
- breaking the fourth wall
- flashback
- animated flashback
- christmas special
- reference to santa claus
- movie star
- space pirate
- christmas tree
- younger version of character
- animated scene
- part traditional animation
- alien species
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special Cast & Characters
Luke Klein leads the cast as Young Peter Quill, with Maria Bakalova as Cosmo the Dog (voice) and Sean Gunn as Kraglin. Directed by James Gunn; 33 actors are credited in all.
-
Director James Gunn
- Luke Klein as Young Peter Quill
-
Maria Bakalova as Cosmo the Dog (voice) -
Sean Gunn as Kraglin -
Michael Rooker as Yondu
Also Starring in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
· 29 more- Chris Pratt Peter Quill / Star-Lord
- Pom Klementieff Mantis
- Dave Bautista Drax
- Kevin Bacon Kevin Bacon
- Bradley Cooper Rocket (voice)
- Karen Gillan Nebula
- Vin Diesel Groot (voice)
- Kyra Sedgwick Kyra Sedgwick (voice)
- Rusty Schwimmer Sara
- Daniel Bernhardt Gobot
- Flula Borg Bartender
- Terence Rosemore Gurb
- Stephen Blackehart Steemie
- Don McLeod Statue Guy
- Giovannie Cruz Orloni Peddler
- Rachel Luttrell Upside-Down Cop
Show all 33 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Thomas McNamara 'Captain America'
- Michelle Gunn Tourist Mom
- Tinashe Kajese Officer Fitzgibbon
- Sarah Alami Gloob
- Barry Curtis Officer R. Bobbitt
- Rhett Miller Bzermikitokolok
- Si Chen Sobbing Woman
- Matthew Withers Handsome Man
- Troy Beecham Drunken Knowherean (uncredited)
- Ken Bethea Alien Band (Sliyavastojoo)
- Philip Peeples Alien Band (Phloko)
- Murry Hammond Alien Band (Kortolbookalia)
- Helene D'Auria Dispatcher (voice)
More from James Gunn
More films directed by James Gunn, best-rated first: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and The Suicide Squad.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 83/100, strongest in character & emotion (86) and weakest in story & flow (72).
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special Echo Score Breakdown
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special delivers a concise, festive experience that leans heavily on humor and emotional beats. Reviews highlight strong direction, effective visual styling, and a commendable soundtrack that reinforce the seasonal tone. Character dynamics, particularly Mantis and Drax, are praised for chemistry and growth, while the plot remains simple but engaging. Minor criticisms focus on uneven jokes, occasional distracting music choices, and subpar CGI for Groot. Overall, the short succeeds as an enjoyable, repeatable Marvel seasonal entry.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 78
In terms of art and craft, the special benefits from James Gunn's direction and a practical visual aesthetic that recalls earlier MCU entries. Reviewers note attractive animation and fascinating visuals, though some call the CGI for Groot flawed. The editing keeps the runtime tight, supporting the comedic rhythm. The net impression is a solid, competently produced short with minor technical lapses.
- Character & Emotion 86
Character and emotion receive strong emphasis, with Pom Klementieff's Mantis highlighted as a compelling lead. The chemistry between Mantis and Drax is described as a comedic duo, and the ensemble delivers heartfelt moments that resonate. While a few critics find Drax overly silly, the prevailing view celebrates nuanced performances and effective emotional grounding, resulting in a high character score.
- Story & Flow 72
The story is presented as a light, festive adventure that offers limited stakes but clear emotional objectives. Reviewers appreciate its originality as a short holiday piece and its ability to convey themes of friendship and loss. Some note distracting modern music inserts and occasional bland dialogue, which temper the narrative flow. Overall, the plot is enjoyable yet modestly ambitious.
- Sensory Experience 80
Sensory experience receives positive remarks for its soundtrack of festive tunes and visual style that blends animation with practical touches. Critics enjoy the overall sound design, though a few mention that certain music choices feel intrusive. Visuals are generally praised as fascinating, supporting the whimsical tone. The cumulative effect is a pleasing sensory package with minor inconsistencies.
- Rewatch Factor 84
Rewatch factor is high, with many reviewers stating they would view the special again and praising its short, satisfying length. The humor and heartwarming moments encourage repeat enjoyment, and the special is considered a pleasant prelude to future MCU entries. Some dissenting opinions label it merely adequate, but the dominant sentiment affirms lasting appeal.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special Plot Summary
What happens in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
The Guardians of the Galaxy have purchased Knowhere from the Collector and welcomed Cosmo the Spacedog Maria Bakalova as a new member. As Christmas approaches, Kraglin Sean Gunn shares a childhood story about Yondu Michael Rooker ruining Christmas for Peter Quill Chris Pratt. The mood in their corner of the cosmos is festive but touched by memories, and the crew threads humor with warmth as they settle Cosmo into the team and brace for the season ahead.
Full summary
The whole story of The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, scene by scene
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special Trailers & Videos
4 videos: 1 trailer, 2 teasers and 1 clip.
- Teaser Christmas Time
- Teaser Review
- Clip Here It Is Christmastime
How Well Do You Know The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which planet or location do the Guardians buy from the Collector at the start of the special?
Cars in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
4 cars on screen, including the Ford Crown Victoria and the Tesla Model S.
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Ford Crown Victoria Minor role -
Tesla Model S Minor role -
2014 Infiniti Q50 Background role -
2012 Toyota Prius III Background role
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special Also Known As
41 alternative titles, including “Guardiões da Galáxia: Especial de Natal” and “Marvel Studios’ Special Presentation: The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special”.
- Also known as
-
- Guardiões da Galáxia: Especial de Natal
- Marvel Studios’ Special Presentation: The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
- マーベル・スタジオ スペシャル・プレゼンテーション：ガーディアンズ・オブ・ギャラクシー ホリデー・スペシャル
- Marvel Studios présente : Les Gardiens de la Galaxie : Joyeuses Fêtes
- Marvel Studios Apresenta Um Especial: Guardiões da Galáxia: Especial de Festas
- אולפני מארוול מציגים: שומרי הגלאקסיה: ספיישל חג המולד
- 银河护卫队：假日特辑
- Une présentation spéciale de Marvel Studios : Les Gardiens de la Galaxie : Joyeuses Fêtes
- รวมพันธุ์นักสู้พิทักษ์จักรวาล ตอนพิเศษรับวันหยุด
- Вартові галактики: Спеціальний святковий випуск
- Вартові галактики: Святковий спецвипуск
- Стражи Галактики: Рождество
+29 more Show fewer
- Guardianes de la Galaxia: Especial Felices Fiestas
- 가디언즈 오브 갤럭시 홀리데이 스페셜
- אולפני מארוול מציגים: שומרי הגלקסיה: ספיישל חג מולד
- A Marvel Studios Special Presentation: The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
- ガーディアンズ・オブ・ギャラ クシー ホリデー・スペシャル：2022
- ガーディアンズ・オブ・ギャラ クシー ホリデー・スペシャル
- 銀河守護隊 假日特別版
- Guardiões da Galáxia: Especial de Festas
- Les Gardiens de la Galaxie : Joyeuses Fêtes
- Стражи Галактики: Праздничный Спецвыпуск
- Strážci Galaxie: Sváteční speciál
- Strážcovia Galaxie: Sviatočný špeciál
- A galaxis őrzői: Ünnepi különkiadás
- Guardiani della Galassia: Holiday Special
- 星際異攻隊 聖誕特別篇
- Guardianes de la Galaxia: Especial de las fiestas
- שומרי הגלקסיה: ספיישל חגיגי
- Strażnicy Galaktyki: Coraz bliżej święta
- Празнични специјал Чувари галаксије
- Οι Φύλακες του Γαλαξία: Εορταστικό Αφιέρωμα
- Vệ Binh Dải Ngân Hà: Tập Đặc Biệt
- حراس المجرة في رأس السنة
- Пазители на Галактиката: Коледният филм
- Os Guardiões da Galáxia - Especial Boas Festas
- Čuvari galaksije: Blagdanski specijal
- Varuhi galaksije: Posebna praznična izdaja
- Galaktikos sergėtojų šventės
- نگهبانان کهکشان ویژه تعطیلات
- 银河护卫队假日特辑, გალაქტიკის მცველები: სადღესასწაულო ეპიზოდი
Seen The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special?
Movies Like The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel’s Rocket & Groot and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
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Guardians of the Galaxy 2014 -
Marvel’s Rocket & Groot 2017 -
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 2023 -
The Star Wars Holiday Special 1978 -
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 2017 -
Alien Xmas 2020 -
The Smurfs Christmas Special 1982 -
The Predator Holiday Special 2018 -
Minions: Holiday Special 2020 -
A Cosmic Christmas 1977 -
The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday 2023 -
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians 1964
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special FAQ: Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special?
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special runs 45 minutes.
When was The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special released?
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special was released on November 24, 2022.
Who directed The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special?
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special was directed by James Gunn.
More films by James Gunn Who is in the cast of The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special?
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special stars Luke Klein as Young Peter Quill, Maria Bakalova as Cosmo the Dog (voice) and Sean Gunn as Kraglin, among 33 credited actors.
Does The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special have a post-credit scene?
No. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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