James Gunn is directing and writing The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, and it could make up for Star Wars' failed attempt in the '70s. Set to debut on Disney+ in 2022, the Guardians Holiday Special was announced as part of Disney's slate of Marvel content planned for the next few years. While it's certainly not the first holiday-themed project for the streaming service, it is, however, Marvel's first live-action title fully dedicated to seasonal celebrations.
Gunn was responsible for bringing the team of galactic misfits into the MCU after writing/directing 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy. Despite not being the most well-known characters from Marvel Comics, figures like Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot, went on to become extremely popular in the cinematic franchise. The group returned to the spotlight in 2017's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 before serving as integral figures in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. While some members of the Guardians are set to appear in Thor: Love and Thunder, the entire team will reunite for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in 2023.
Before the third Guardians film debuts, the core cast featuring names like Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, and Dave Bautista are expected to come together for The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. As part of the announcement, Gunn shared his excitement, claiming that he bugged Marvel Studios president, Kevin Feige, about the project "endlessly" for years. The filmmaker also made it a point to share his love for the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special from 1978. Set before The Empire Strikes Back, the TV special featured members of the original cast reuniting on Chewbacca's home planet of Kashyyyk to celebrate "Life Day." Though plot details regarding the Guardians special are being kept under wraps, Gunn has a chance to succeed where Star Wars failed.
Despite the return of a cast featuring Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford, the Star Wars Holiday Special became notorious due to its awful reception. The title has become a legend of sorts considering that it was never re-broadcast or released through any home video mediums. With Gunn's public claim of unapologetically loving the Star Wars Holiday Special, he has a chance to pay tribute to the Life Day story by tweaking aspects to fit the Guardians team. Seeing as Peter Quill presumably grew up celebrating Christmas before taking on the moniker of Star-Lord, he could potentially teach his team about the holiday for a special celebration.
In this case, maybe Groot could take the place of Chewbacca in the Star Wars Holiday Special by inviting his friends to celebrate a holiday unique to his species. The situation would provide more backstory to a beloved member of the MCU while throwing a nod to the Star Wars title that Gunn grew up adoring. It would also be a treat to fans if The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special elected to feature a variety show of sorts by featuring other notable MCU characters with musical performances. Either way, the Disney+ project is in good hands, and it will make waiting for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 just a little easier.
