GOTG Vol. 3 in Korea "Love Bong Joon-ho and Park Chan-wook... Inspired by Korean Culture" (Summary)

Director James Gunn visiting Korea (from left), actors Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Chris Pratt
Photo by Yonhap News

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"It is very meaningful to come to Korea as the first destination of the world tour. Films continue to evolve. In France, the New Wave led the 1960s, the 1970s were led by American experimental films, and the 1990s by Hong Kong cinema. Over the past decade, Korean cinema has been the best in the world. I like 'Parasite' and 'Mother' (director Bong Joon-ho). While making this film, I was inspired by 'The Villainess' (director Jung Byung-gil)."

Director James Gunn (52) expressed this sentiment on the morning of the 18th at a press conference held at Conrad Hotel Seoul in Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, during the visit for 'Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3.' He said, "The first and second installments of the series received so much love from Korean audiences that I really wanted to come to Korea for the final third installment."

Actor Chris Pratt visiting Korea
Photo by Yonhap News

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Actors Chris Pratt, Karen Gillan, and Pom Klementieff, who also visited Korea that day, nodded in agreement. Chris Pratt said, "The group BLACKPINK performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in the U.S., and I like NewJeans' music. I am happy to visit Korea at a time when Korean culture is gaining great global recognition."

Pom Klementieff said, "I saw 'Oldboy' (director Park Chan-wook) in 2003 and felt inspired to become an actor. I also like Korean food. The sweet and salty taste of stir-fried anchovies was impressive. It reminded me of the French word 'merci beaucoup' (thank you) because of the similar pronunciation."

Karen Gillan said with a smile, "I prepared for this press conference while listening to BLACKPINK and BTS songs in the morning. I would be really happy if I could meet them during my stay in Korea."

'Guardians of the Galaxy' (2014) was loved for its dazzling visuals and action set in the galaxy, and the sequel 'Guardians of the Galaxy VOL. 2' (2017) also gained popularity. The series has grossed a total worldwide box office of $1.6371 billion (2.1608 trillion KRW).

The third and final installment, 'Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3,' tells the story of Peter Quill, who, grieving the loss of Gamora, joins forces once again with the Guardians team to protect the endangered galaxy and his comrades, embarking on a mission that might be their last if unsuccessful. The final story of the Guardians team will be released domestically on the 3rd of next month.

Actors Karen Gillan (from the left), Pom Klementieff, and Chris Pratt visiting Korea
[Photo by Yonhap News]

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The Guardians team returns complete after six years. Leader Star-Lord (played by Chris Pratt) reunites with his beloved Gamora (played by Zoe Saldana), and core team members Drax (played by Dave Bautista), Nebula (played by Karen Gillan), and Mantis (played by Pom Klementieff) become a true family leading the story. Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), the team's mascot and another protagonist in the series, is the most important character in the third film. Although small in size, Rocket excels at handling firearms and machinery. He confronts his painful past and embarks on an adventure to save the galaxy.

Director James Gunn showed special affection, saying, "Rocket is my alter ego." Regarding the background of Rocket's origin story in the final installment, he explained, "Rocket is a small being full of anger, who doesn't fit in with the world and finds it hard to connect with others. He is an outsider character," adding, "It brings me to tears."

He continued, "Rocket's story was really important to me. I wanted to show the origin of Rocket, a typical outsider filled with sadness. Where that anger comes from, why he lacks empathy, and how he will live going forward ? I wanted to tell the story surrounding Rocket."

Chris Pratt also said, "Rocket is a character that anyone who has faced many hardships can relate to," and expressed gratitude to the studio for realistically bringing the animated character to life.

Movie 'Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3' Rocket Steel
[Photo by Walt Disney Company Korea]

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Director James Gunn said, "Volume 3 is a film dedicated to the fans and made for everyone who has supported us," and expressed thanks to the Korean fans who have supported the series most passionately. He introduced the third film as "a much more emotional story than parts 1 and 2."

He added, "From now on, there will be no Guardians team in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)," and said, "I hope that the MCU will have more emotional stories along with action, spectacle, and humor in the future."

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