James Gunn Talks Why He Gave the MCU’s First F-Bomb to Peter Quill in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was a huge hit among MCU fans. It was a fantastic ending to a fan-favorite trilogy and marked the end of the director James Gunnhe was at Marvel, when he became the head of DC as the film was wrapping up. The film was also considered the first Marvel film in history to have a character say the F-word. Fans had heard he was coming and some wondered if he would be the hot-tempered Rocket character (Bradley Cooper) who would know, given that the film turned out to focus on his past. But it was finally said by Pete Quill/Star-Lord (Chris Pratt).

In a recent conversation on Threads, Gunn was asked about the choice and whether or not Rocket was being considered for the line, and he explained:

“No, I didn’t. I gave the line to Chris that day. I found it funny to break that barrier in a disposable situation where it didn’t matter compared to one where we relied on the word weight – I think Rocket accepting himself for who he is (raccoon by species, Rocket by choice – just as we are all a mix of what fate gave us and who we choose to be) is perhaps the most important moment in the three films and could have been belittled by all those who focus on the F word.”

Chris Pratt was just as okay with saying the line as Gunn was with having him say it. He recalled the time MCU boss Kevin Feige warned Gunn about the risk of adding him, before explaining it Jimmy Kimmel Live!:

“From what I understand, the story goes that Kevin Feige talked to James Gunn and said ‘Listen, you don’t want to be the guy known for having the first F-word in your movie.’ And James says, “Yes, I want it!” Don’t you know me?! That’s exactly what I want!” And so they kept him in.”

He went on to add:

“It’s not the first one I’ve tried to put in the movie. I think everyone’s tried, you know? With a PG-13 movie, you usually get two s-words, and you usually don’t get [an f-word] but maybe you can get an F-word. So everyone’s always lobbying, you know? Throw an improvisation to get him in.”

I don’t think it did any harm to the integrity of the actor, the director or the film. It fit the tone of the film and the moment, and even though we could have done without it, it was right to stay. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is now streaming on Disney+

via: CB