Commentary — ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind’ Should Be Canon

Disney has always had a very unique and creative approach to its theme park attractions. Sometimes it creates a completely new IP for its rides and other times it ties its rides into existing material. To create a more expansive experience, Disney often devises unique storylines for these franchises completely separate from any film or television show. Star Wars is a great example as there are many ways for its attractions to be set in that universe. In terms of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Guardians Of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind brings back established characters for the ride’s storyline. The canon is irrelevant as it’s considered outside the main continuity, but in order to give the best experience for fans, Disney should make more of an attempt to fit the ride within the established timeline.

The attraction is a roller coaster that runs simultaneously alongside what is essentially a short story. Characters from the MCU appear, including Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), and Drax (Dave Bautista). At the point the tale takes place, the Guardians are completely formed with Groot in his adult form. Unfortunately, this version of the character was destroyed at the end of the first film, meaning there is no place within the timeline for the ride’s short story to exist within that universe. This detail forces the ride to exist as a stand-alone, non-canonical event.

The story itself is very good. It takes up almost no time at all — only as long as the ride itself. However, it offers up something profound within the MCU that fans undoubtedly love. As a true event within canon, fans would have had a unique connection to the Guardians beating a powerful enemy, making their ride experience even stronger. It wouldn’t have been that difficult to tweak a few minor details, such as Groot’s appearance, so the canon isn’t contradicted. Instead, riders are just going to have to be satisfied enjoying this standalone story as its own thing.