The Unforgettable Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 Cast: Where Are They Now And Their Mind-Blowing MCU Salaries
The curtain call for the original crew of the Milano was an emotional, high-stakes event, and as of December 23, 2025, the impact of *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* continues to resonate across the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film, which served as a poignant farewell for writer-director James Gunn and several key actors, introduced new characters while giving fan-favorites a definitive, and in some cases, final, chapter. The ensemble cast delivered career-defining performances, especially in the heartbreaking origin story of Rocket Raccoon.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the full cast list—from the original crew to the shocking new additions and memorable cameos—providing a complete biographical profile of the main stars and revealing the reported, eye-watering salaries that cemented their status as MCU legends.
The Core Guardians: Complete Biographical Profiles and Roles
The success of the *Guardians* trilogy rests on the shoulders of its iconic, quirky, and deeply human cast. Here is a detailed look at the actors who brought the beloved space misfits to life in their final adventure together.
- Chris Pratt as Peter Quill / Star-Lord
- Birthdate: June 21, 1979
- Nationality: American
- Major Roles: Known for his charismatic roles, Pratt gained fame as Andy Dwyer in the TV series *Parks and Recreation* before becoming a global action star in the MCU and the *Jurassic World* franchise. He also voiced Mario in *The Super Mario Bros. Movie*.
- Zoe Saldaña as Gamora
- Birthdate: June 19, 1978
- Nationality: American (of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent)
- Major Roles: Saldaña is one of the few actors to star in three of the highest-grossing films of all time: *Avatar*, *Avengers: Endgame*, and *Avatar: The Way of Water*. She began her career as a trained dancer, with her first film role in *Center Stage* (2000).
- Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer
- Birthdate: January 18, 1969
- Nationality: American (of Filipino and Greek descent)
- Major Roles: Before his successful acting career, Bautista was a six-time World Champion professional wrestler for WWE. His transition to acting included major roles in *Blade Runner 2049* and the *Dune* film series, showing his range beyond action.
- Karen Gillan as Nebula
- Birthdate: November 28, 1987
- Nationality: Scottish
- Major Roles: Gillan first gained international recognition for playing Amy Pond in the acclaimed BBC sci-fi series *Doctor Who*. She also starred as Ruby Roundhouse in the *Jumanji* film series, showcasing her versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles.
- Pom Klementieff as Mantis
- Birthdate: May 3, 1986
- Nationality: French
- Major Roles: Known for her breakout role in Spike Lee's *Oldboy* (2013), Klementieff's international profile skyrocketed when she joined the MCU as the empathic Mantis, a character who became central to the Guardians' emotional arcs.
- Vin Diesel as Groot (Voice)
- Birthdate: July 18, 1967
- Nationality: American
- Major Roles: The undisputed action star of the *Fast & Furious* franchise, Diesel's role as Groot is unique, requiring him to convey a vast range of emotion using only the phrase "I am Groot."
- Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon (Voice)
- Birthdate: January 5, 1975
- Nationality: American
- Major Roles: A highly acclaimed actor, director, and producer, Cooper's major roles include *The Hangover* trilogy, *Silver Linings Playbook*, *American Sniper*, and *A Star Is Born*. His voice work as Rocket is often cited as one of the best performances in the MCU.
The Staggering Salaries: What the Main Cast Earned for Vol. 3
The *Guardians of the Galaxy* trilogy evolved from a risky, relatively unknown property into one of the MCU's most profitable franchises. With that success came significant pay raises for the cast, reflecting their star power and years of commitment to the roles. While official Marvel Studios figures are rarely released, industry reports offer a glimpse into the staggering earnings for *Vol. 3*.
Chris Pratt's Massive Payday: As the lead, Star-Lord, Chris Pratt commanded the highest salary. Reports indicate his earnings for *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* were in the range of $20 million to $25 million, a monumental figure that places him among the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.
The Core Ensemble's Compensation: The rest of the core cast also saw substantial increases. Zoe Saldaña (Gamora) reportedly earned between $10 million and $15 million for the film. Actors like Dave Bautista (Drax) and Karen Gillan (Nebula) saw their paychecks in the multi-million dollar range, reflecting their critical importance to the film's emotional core and success.
The Voice Actors' Value: The value of voice actors in the MCU cannot be understated. While specific numbers for *Vol. 3* are speculative, Vin Diesel's long-term commitment to the franchise, including his work as Groot across multiple films, has reportedly earned him tens of millions of dollars over the course of his MCU career.
New Faces and Shocking Cameos: The High Evolutionary, Adam Warlock, and More
*Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* introduced several pivotal characters who were crucial to Rocket's backstory and the overall narrative. These new additions not only expanded the cosmic side of the MCU but also brought fresh, acclaimed talent to the franchise.
The Main New Characters
Chukwudi Iwuji as The High Evolutionary: Iwuji delivered a terrifying and memorable performance as the film's primary antagonist, The High Evolutionary, a ruthless genetic scientist responsible for Rocket's painful origins. Iwuji is a Nigerian-British actor known for his extensive work in theatre with the Royal Shakespeare Company and his previous collaboration with James Gunn on the DC series *Peacemaker*.
Will Poulter as Adam Warlock: The highly anticipated character of Adam Warlock was finally introduced, played by British actor Will Poulter. Poulter is known for roles in *The Maze Runner*, *The Revenant*, and the critically acclaimed series *Dopesick*. His portrayal of Warlock was a mix of immense power and childlike confusion, setting him up for a significant role in future MCU projects.
The Surprising Cameos and Returning Favorites
Director James Gunn brought back several beloved characters and added a few surprise faces, deepening the film's topical authority and connection to the wider MCU cosmos:
- Maria Bakalova as Cosmo the Spacedog: After appearing in *The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special*, Bakalova returned to voice the telepathic canine, who officially became a member of the team by the film's end. Bakalova is an Oscar-nominated actress known for her breakout role in *Borat Subsequent Moviefilm*.
- Sylvester Stallone as Stakar Ogord: The legendary action star returned as Stakar Ogord, a Ravager Captain and leader of the original Guardians team, providing a link to the franchise's deeper lore.
- Michael Rooker as Yondu Udonta: Although Yondu died in *Vol. 2*, Michael Rooker reprised his role in a brief, emotional flashback sequence, underscoring the father-son relationship he shared with Peter Quill.
- Nathan Fillion as Master Karja: A frequent collaborator of James Gunn, Nathan Fillion appeared as Master Karja, a security guard on the Orgocorp facility, adding a fun, recognizable face to the supporting cast.
The Emotional Legacy of the Guardians' Final Lineup
The conclusion of *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* saw the original team disband, with each member embarking on a new path, a narrative choice that makes the cast's performance all the more poignant. The film masterfully handled the delicate balance of humor and heartbreak, giving characters like Drax and Nebula meaningful resolutions.
The final moments of the film cemented a new lineup for the Guardians, featuring Rocket Raccoon (now the Captain), Groot, Cosmo the Spacedog, Adam Warlock, Phyla-Vell, and Kraglin Obfonteri (played by Sean Gunn). This transition ensures the legacy of the Guardians continues in the MCU, but the specific dynamics and future appearances of this new team remain one of the most exciting, fresh mysteries of the post-Gunn era. The enduring chemistry of the original cast, however, ensures that their final chapter will be remembered as one of the most satisfying trilogies in modern superhero cinema.
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