'Guardians of the Galaxy' cast and director mark beginning of the end in Korea

“All heroes start somewhere” is the tagline for the beloved Marvel franchise “Guardians of the Galaxy” — but when there is a start there is also an end. “I am very satisfied and proud of the work we've accomplished in this last 'Guardians of the...

From left, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff and Chris Pratt pose for photos during the press conference for "Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3" at the Conrad Seoul in Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul, on Tuesday. [YONHAP]

“All heroes start somewhere” is the tagline for the beloved Marvel franchise “Guardians of the Galaxy” — but when there is a start there is also an end.

“I am very satisfied and proud of the work we've accomplished in this last 'Guardians of the Galaxy' movie, and now eager to show the result to the world,” lead actor Chris Pratt told local press on Tuesday morning. “This has been a mountain of work that our director James [Gunn] led us on. Now we are at the top and it is truly beautiful.”

Pratt, as well as “Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3” cast members Karen Gillan and Pom Klementieff, and director James Gunn held a press conference to discuss the sci-fi action-comedy franchise’s final film at the Conrad Seoul in Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul, on Tuesday.

“Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3” picks up from where it left off six years ago in “Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 2” when Peter Quill, played by Pratt, lost the love of his life, Gamora. Still reeling from that loss, Quill must rally his team one last time to defend the universe and protect one of their own.

A scene from the upcoming film "Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3" starring Chris Pratt [WALT DISNEY COMPANY KOREA]

Pratt, humorously quoting the lyrics of Boyz II Men’s “Hard Too Say Goodbye” (1991), said that he foremost feels gratitude as he bids farewell to a series and character that he has been with for almost a decade.

“I am so thankful for not only how this role changed my career, but also the friendships that I forged along the way."

Klementieff and Gillan were both emotional about leaving their characters, Mantis and Nebula.

“It was a life-changing experience and I had so much fun,” said Klementieff. “I feel very fortunate to have been part of it,” said Gillan.

Similar powerful sentiments are also present in the upcoming film, said director Gunn who hinted that the movie is filled with heart-rendering exchanges, especially Rocket Raccoon.

A rather quick-tempered mercenary and weapons expert who joins the Guardians of the Galaxy, Gunn said that he saw parts of himself in Rocket and wanted this last movie to explore Rocket’s story further.

Director James Gunn answers questions from reporters during the press conference for "Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3" at the Conrad Seoul in Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul, on Tuesday. [YONHAP]

“When I first took on this job in 2011, it was Rocket that motivated me to build this story,” said Gunn. “This movie is an exploration of a sad creature — about where he came from and where he is going to go.”

Pratt, who was also moved by Rocket’s depiction in the new film, said that he was “excited that Marvel and James were willing to put so much trust in an animated yet very real character to carry on the narrative.”

As for Pratt’s Peter Quill, he becomes noticeably more mature in this third film.

“Sometimes, characters are forced to learn the same lessons over and over again, but in our trilogy, my character as well as all the others in the series, learn something new in each film. In this last film, Peter learns about ‘self’ as he loses the love of his life who defined who he was. His journey in this particular film is very emotional.”

Chris Pratt during the press conference for "Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3" at the Conrad Seoul in Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul, on Tuesday. [NEWS1]

The cast and crew's ongoing Seoul trip marks the start of the film's worldwide tour. It is also the first time that the cast and director of the series have made a promotional visit to Korea.

Gunn said he chose Korea to begin the film’s press tour and described the visit as a “meaningful start” to promoting the last movie of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise.

“I intended this movie to be one hundred percent for the fans, and I am well aware that the series has lots of Korean supporters. So I am very excited to meet everyone.”

Gunn has never been to Korea before and said that part of his excitement about being in the country is because he is an avid fan of Korean cinema, noting his love of films “Villaness” (2017), “Mother” (2009) and “Parasite” (2019).

“Some of the action scenes in the upcoming movie are actually inspired by some Korean films,” he said.

Pratt was also excited to be back in Korea to meet local fans and experience Korean culture first-hand.

“We were all listening to NeweJeans just this morning!” he said.

Klementieff, who is half-Korean, said that Korean films like “Old Boy” (2003) by Park Chan-wook were what inspired her to begin acting. But, for this trip, she was most enthusiastic about the food.

“I especially love myeolchibokkeum [stir-fried anchovy]!” she excitedly said.

"Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3" will open in local theaters on May 8.

Pom Klementieff during the press conference for "Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3" at the Conrad Seoul in Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul, on Tuesday. [NEWS1]

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]