James Gunn reveals which MCU movies fans need to watch before 'Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special' releases
It's 'What a bright time, it's the right time' for Marvel's 'Guardian of the Galaxy: Holiday Special' as the holiday season is here. The new holiday special is here just a month before Christmas to make its audience seep into the feeling of festivities, and holidays. The movie is Marvel Studios' first Christmas special and will take a band of intergalactic outlaws to Earth as they try to give Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) a genuine holiday experience. It is intended to be the second Marvel Studios Special Presentation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films and television series of the franchise.
When an MCU movie is released, people often go back in time and research the timeline, the backstory, and well more. However, James Gunn has a different opinion on what to watch before the TV special releases; Gunn recently told bluntly that "the audience does not need to see any movies, including the Guardians films." Quite surprising, isn't it? especially when he is the director of the film. While the Holiday Special is a standalone story, it will also bridge the gap between 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' and the upcoming 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.'
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When asked on Twitter which movies fans would need to watch to enjoy the special, Gunn was blunt to say, “none are must-see, including the Guardians films.” Even though no other MCU production is needed to understand the Holiday Special, Gunn underlines that “the two Guardians movies, 'Infinity War,' and 'Endgame' all have small amounts of information in them that are referenced.” That was to be expected, simply because these previous movies explain why the Guardians are coming back to Earth on Christmas.
None are must see, including the Guardians films. BUT the two Guardians movies, Infinity War, and Endgame all have small amounts of information in them that are referenced. https://t.co/cWdmurNuZp
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) November 22, 2022
Chris Pratt (Peter Quill), Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sean Gunn, Michael Rooker, and Zoe Saldaña reprise their roles as the Guardians from previous MCU media, with Kevin Bacon and Maria Bakalova also starring. Gunn had worked on the concept for the special in 2017, during the production time of 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' before it was announced in December 2020.
Regardless, 'The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special' soundtrack is finally unveiled by James Gunn, featuring beloved holiday songs and two new tracks. Gunn reveals that the Holiday Special‘s soundtrack list is ahead of the Special Presentation’s release on November 25. Alongside well-known holiday favorites like The Pogue’s 'Fairytale of New York' and The Waitresses’ 'Christmas Wrapping,' the special will also feature two new songs by the Old 97’s, the original song 'I Don’t Know What Christmas Is (But Christmastime Is Here),' and a new recording of 'Here It Is Christmastime' that features guest star Kevin Bacon.
The 'Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special' is scheduled to be released on Disney+ on November 25, 2022, as the conclusion of Phase Four of the MCU.