James Gunn and his run with the Guardians of the Galaxy ended with Vol. 3, there is still so much potential with what else Marvel can do with these characters. SPOILER WARNING is in effect!
As we saw in the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Rocket has taken over as leader of the Guardians alongside Groot, Adam Warlock, Phyla, Kraglin and Cosmo. However, the Guardians of the Galaxy have always been known for expanding their ranks. We will be taking a look at some characters that might have already made their appearance in the MCU, as well as some that have yet to make their debut. Now let’s take a deep dive into 10 Characters We Want to See Join the Team for a Guardians 4 or in the upcoming Avengers: The Kang Dynasty or Avengers: Secret War.
Moondragon
Part of the original team in the 1970s, and also served as a member of the team during the Annihilation storyline in the early 2000s. Moondragon has also had several romantic relationships with other Guardians members, including Phyla-Vell and Drax the Destroyer. Moondragon is a highly skilled martial artist and telepath, she could use her telepathy to communicate with other members of the team and gather information on their enemies. She could also use her martial arts skills to take down opponents in hand-to-hand combat, which could make for some incredible action sequences.
Nova
Nova also served as a member of the team during the Annihilation storyline in the early 2000s. Nova has also had a close relationship with Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord, and the two have fought side-by-side in several cosmic battles. With superhuman strength, durability, and the ability to fly at faster-than-light speeds, he could use his powers to help the team travel through space quickly and take down enemies with his strength and durability. Not to mention a great story arch could be created for Nova as the remaining member of the Nova Corp after Thanos destroyed his planet as mentioned in Avengers: Infinity War.
Marvel Boy
Although he has not been a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy in the comics, but he has interacted with the team on several occasions. He first appeared in the 2000 mini-series Marvel Boy, and has since appeared in several other Marvel comics, including the 2013 Infinity storyline. Marvel Boy has the ability to manipulate reality with his quantum bands, he could use his powers to create portals and manipulate the environment to help the team in battle.
Cosmic Ghost Rider
First Appearing in the 2018 mini-series Thanos Wins, and has since appeared in several other Marvel comics, including the 2020 Guardians of the Galaxy series. The Cosmic Ghost Rider has a variety of powers, including superhuman strength, durability, and the ability to manipulate energy. A story arch could be created here with Jon Bernthal returning as The Punisher, then becoming the Cosmic Ghost Rider to join the Guardians for adventures.
Vance Astro
Vance Astro was a member of the original Guardians of the Galaxy team in the 1970s. He has also appeared in several other Marvel comics, including the 2008 Guardians of the Galaxy series. Vance Astro has psychic powers and the ability to fly at faster-than-light speeds, he could use his psychic powers to gather information on enemies.
Starfox
After his brief appearance in the film Eternals, played by Harry Styles. It has been unclear what is the intention of the character and what Marvel Studios has planned for him. He first appeared in the 1973 comic book Iron Man #55, and has since appeared in several other Marvel comics, including the 2013 Infinity storyline. Starfox has the ability to manipulate emotions and create illusions. In a Guardians of the Galaxy movie, he could use his powers to confuse and distract enemies, as well as provide emotional support to the team. Ultimately, Starfox could be the replacement for Mantis.
Wraith
First appearing in the 2006 comic book Annihilation: Nova #1, and has since appeared in several other Marvel comics. Wraith has the ability to phase through solid objects and manipulate darkness, he could use his powers to sneak past enemies. Wraith could make from some tense scenes involving the character having to sneak through enemy territory and risk the chance of getting caught and failing the mission.
Quasar
First Appearing in the 1978 comic book The Incredible Hulk #234, and has since appeared in several other Marvel comics, including the 2008 Guardians of the Galaxy series. Quasar has the ability to manipulate energy and create force fields and could use his powers to protect the team from enemy attacks and provide some cover fire for his teammates. A powerful being that could create some humorous banter with Adam Warlock.
Bug
Bug was a member of the original Micronauts team in the 1970s, and has since appeared in several other Marvel comics, including the 2008 Guardians of the Galaxy series. Bug has the ability to fly and communicate with insects. In a Guardians of the Galaxy movie, he could use his insect communication skills to gather information on enemies, and his flight abilities to provide aerial support to the team. If you thought a talking racoon and telekinetic dog on the team was a bit strange, just imagine Bug adding to that diversity.
Hulkling
Hulking finally made his brief MCU appearance in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. However, there is not much known about the character just yet, but considering his intergalactic experience growing up on Sakaar. Maybe joining the Guardians and learning to be hero is exactly what he needs. Hulkling has superhuman strength, durability, and shape-shifting abilities. He could use his strength and durability against enemies, and his shape-shifting abilities to infiltrate enemy bases and gather information.