Disney+ has introduced its latest chapter with the second season of I Am Groot, centering around the youngest Guardian exploring a myriad of planets. But with the vast expanse of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, shouldn’t another member of the Guardians, perhaps Gamora (portrayed by Zoe Saldaña), get her own spotlight? The latest Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 barely scratches the surface of this intriguing character’s narrative.
Unraveling Gamora’s Complex Past
While James Gunn masterfully enamored audiences with Gamora, the character showcased in his trilogy isn’t the Gamora everyone recognizes. Flashback to Avengers: Infinity War when the insatiable Thanos (played by Josh Brolin) embarked on his mission for the Infinity Stones. Achieving the Soul Stone required a painful sacrifice, leading to the heart-wrenching demise of the Gamora we had grown fond of since 2014.
But the universe had more in store. With another version of Thanos surfacing, a new timeline brought forward a different Gamora. Post the gripping Avengers: Endgame, this Gamora chose the main MCU reality. By the culmination of the recent Guardians sequel, she sought a path away from the crew. This sets the stage for a compelling storyline – a Gamora unburdened by past affiliations and free to carve a fresh destiny. What better way to depict this than in a dedicated series?
The Ravagers: Allies or Adversaries?
From the first Guardians film, the Ravagers have left an indelible mark. Led initially by the charismatic Yondu (Michael Rooker), they were bounty hunters with a dubious moral compass. With leadership reins now potentially in Stakar Ogord’s (Sylvester Stallone) hands and Kraglin’s (Sean Gunn) aspirations tied with the Guardians, this backdrop could serve as an exciting landscape for Gamora’s journey.
Imagine Gamora’s interactions with the Ravagers. The dynamics, challenges, and growth stemming from these engagements would offer captivating arcs for the series. And without her former Guardian memories, this 2014 version of Gamora would bring a fresh perspective, marking a departure from the familiar.
Galactic Expanses Awaiting Exploration
Gunn’s Guardian trilogy saw a slew of characters coming and going. The Collector (Benicio Del Toro) with his treasure trove in Knowhere or the Guardians’ refuge in a deceased Celestial post Thanos’s exploits are but fragments of the overarching narrative. With figures like the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji) lurking, and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) encountering vibrant escapades, the universe is teeming with potential narratives.
Let Gamora explore! Introduce antagonists, design challenges, and let her confront them sans her original teammates. Moreover, the expansive cosmic realm of the MCU provides ample crossover potential. Encounters with Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), or the Eternals would not only be thrilling but would also solidify her stature in the MCU.
In Conclusion
While I Am Groot definitely caters to a particular segment, the MCU’s sprawling expanse is ripe for a deeper, more mature exploration, especially with a character as layered as Gamora. It’s high time she gets her well-deserved series, charting her path, alliances, confrontations, and evolution. Not only would this be a treat for fans, but it would also solidify Disney+’s commitment to delivering diverse, compelling narratives.
