Phase 5’s installment, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” brought about unexpected demises for several characters, defying popular predictions. This movie also marked James Gunn’s farewell project with Marvel Studios. Additionally, it served as the ultimate journey for the original Guardians of the Galaxy squad. The team reunited to rescue Rocket by delving into his past, adding a poignant layer to the storyline. 

Positioned as the concluding escapade for the Guardians in the MCU, the film intrigued many with the prospect of significant casualties. We will learn in this article who dies in Guardians of the Galaxy 3. 

Survival of Main Guardians in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”

Image credit- collider.com

A fresh face appears as Will Poulter debuts as Adam Warlock. This character fulfills the Sovereign’s vow of vengeance against the team due to their betrayal in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” Some of them sustain damage and among them, Rocket’s condition becomes critical, hovering on the edge of death.

Rocket, having been brought into existence by the High Evolutionary, bears a kill switch implanted within him. Note that this renders the Guardians’ med-packs useless. Consequently, the team has to initiate a mission to salvage Rocket’s life. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” presents multiple instances where Rocket’s life hangs in the balance. In one notable scene, he even enters an afterlife encounter with Lylla, his childhood friend. Nonetheless, it’s the combined efforts of Peter Quill and Gamora that eventually rescue Rocket from the brink of death.

Drax’s near-death experience occurs during a clash with Orgocorp’s Sentries, adding to the tension. The Guardians face a close call as their survival is at stake during the destruction of Counter-Earth. Additionally, Star-Lord’s encounter with freezing conditions in space while rescuing the High Evolutionary’s experiments almost proves fatal. He would have died were it not for Adam Warlock’s intervention. Ultimately, “Vol. 3” concludes without any of the Guardians of the Galaxy meeting their demise. Although the movie keeps the audience on edge, the team manages to emerge unscathed.

Lylla Falls Victim to High Evolutionary Gunfire

Image credit- collider.com

Even though none of the Guardians of the Galaxy faced fatal outcomes, many important characters died in “Vol. 3.” These losses left a heartbreaking impact. Through flashbacks, the film delves into Rocket’s backstory within the MCU, shedding light on the experiments imposed on him by the character portrayed by Chukwudi Iwuiji, known as the High Evolutionary. The narrative also explores Rocket’s early connections, particularly his deep bond with Lylla the Otter.

However, as they attempt to escape captivity, Lylla meets a tragic end when High Evolutionary shoots and kills her. This event ignites Rocket’s fury towards his creator and sets the stage for the Guardians’ subsequent escape. In an afterlife encounter, Rocket reunites with Lylla, only to return to his body with the understanding that his friends are awaiting his return.

High Evolutionary’s Guards Claim Lives of Floor and Teefs

In addition to Rocket and Lylla, the High Evolutionary’s experiments stay in cages, including the rabbit named Floor and the walrus known as Teefs. These four beings establish a strong connection, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Unfortunately, the fates of Teefs and Floor take a tragic turn during Rocket’s attempt to escape. Following Lylla’s demise, Rocket directs his anger towards the High Evolutionary, leading to a confrontation.

However, guards interrupt his actions. Although Rocket successfully takes down the High Evolutionary’s henchmen, the guards manage to shoot both Teefs and Floor. Teefs and Floor make a reappearance in the afterlife, yet Rocket’s time to join them has not yet arrived.

Ayesha and Humanimals Perish in Counter-Earth’s Devastation

Elizabeth Debicki’s portrayal of High Priestess Ayesha made its debut in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” In “Vol. 3,” it’s disclosed that Ayesha and her Sovereign people were creations of the High Evolutionary. Following her journey to Counter-Earth accompanied by her “son” Adam Warlock, Ayesha aimed to capture Rocket on behalf of the High Evolutionary.

However, circumstances shifted as Warlock eventually aligned himself with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Tragedy struck when Ayesha, along with Counter-Earth’s Animen population, met their demise amidst the destruction of Counter-Earth, prompting Warlock’s decision to join forces with the Guardians.

High Evolutionary Emerges Unscathed from Ship’s Destruction

High Evolutionary was an interesting new character in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”At first, it seemed that the Guardians killed him. However, director James Gunn clarified that the High Evolutionary’s survival was certain after “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” While it initially seemed that the High Evolutionary met his end during a ship’s destruction, the character survived and is imprisoned on Knowhere.

Conclusion: Who Dies in Guardians of The Galaxy 3

The movie unfolds with the core Guardians facing numerous perilous situations that bring them to the brink of death. However, each time, they narrowly escape these dire outcomes. Surprisingly, despite the expectations set by the trailers, none of the Guardians meet their end in this fourth standalone MCU adventure (following “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special”). Director James Gunn still manages to weave a poignant farewell to the original Guardians team, leaving audiences with a bittersweet sensation.

FAQs: Who Dies in Guardians of The Galaxy 3

Q1: Was the High Evolutionary killed in the movie?

While it initially seemed that the High Evolutionary met his end during a ship’s destruction, director James Gunn confirmed that the character survived and is imprisoned on Knowhere.

Q2: How did Rocket’s backstory and his connections contribute to the emotional aspects of the movie?

Flashbacks exploring Rocket’s past, his experiments, and his close bond with Lylla added depth to his character and intensified the emotional elements of the film.

Q3: What role did Adam Warlock play in the movie’s deaths and storyline?

Adam Warlock joined the Guardians after his mother, Ayesha, and the Animen population of Counter-Earth were killed during the destruction of Counter-Earth.

Q4: Were there any surprises in terms of character deaths?

Yes, the movie subverted expectations by not killing off any of the main Guardians characters despite the anticipation built by the trailers.

Q5: Overall, what was the impact of the deaths on the movie’s narrative and themes?

The deaths in the movie underscored themes of sacrifice, friendship, and the cost of pursuing power, enriching the overall storytelling experience.