The Marvel Cinematic Universe has long been synonymous with family-friendly content, but James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is bucking the trend with a surprising departure from the norm. A recently released preview clip shows Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord, uttering the MCU’s first F-bomb, leaving fans questioning the extent to which strong language will feature in the film. In the scene, Nebula struggles to open the door of a 1980s Chrysler, prompting Peter’s frustrated outburst, “just open the f*cking door.”
Director James Gunn has confirmed that there is only one occurrence of strong language in the film, citing concerns that a harder R-rating would limit the film’s appeal to younger audiences. This decision marks a significant departure from the MCU’s historical approach to profanity, with Deadpool being a notable exception. However, Peter Quill’s unexpected use of the F-word has stolen the thunder from the Merc with a Mouth, making him the first to drop a profanity bomb in the franchise.
The film’s PG-13 rating means it will still be accessible to a wide range of audiences, but longtime fans of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise may be taken aback by the unexpected shift in tone. Captain America, known for his squeaky-clean image, would likely be dismayed by the language featured in the film. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit of foul-mouthed humor may welcome the change. With the film’s release eagerly anticipated, fans can expect to see the foul-mouthed clip for themselves when Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 hits cinemas on May 5.