Why James Gunn Put a Zune In ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’

In the 2023 film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord ditches his iconic Sony Walkman from the previous installments in favor of a shiny new Zune. What might have been a casual detail in another movie has accidentally turned into an extended tribute of sorts.

When questioned about his choice of featuring the Zune, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 director and screenwriter James Gunn clarified on the emerging social media platform Bluesky that it wasn’t driven by anything significant. Gunn humorously explained, “I just thought it was funny.”

Regardless of being the punchline of a movie joke, the Zune now gets a chance to endure, adorning the hip of Star-Lord, potentially becoming an everlasting part of the character’s legacy. And if that helps keep the Zune alive a little bit longer, too, we’re all for it.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Keeps Zune Alive

Anyone who owned a Zune no doubt got butterflies in their stomach when their old buddy showed back up on the silver screen in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Because while the device may have been short-lived, anyone who owned one remembers the good ‘ole days.

So, what happened with the Zune? Simply put, Microsoft’s ambitious foray into the digital media player market with Zune happened to coincide with an inopportune moment. It debuted five years after Apple’s groundbreaking iPod. And just a year before the unveiling of the first iPhone, marking the beginning of a decade-long decline for the iPod/MP3 player business.

Despite the timing, many remember the Zune fondly for its distinctive approach. In some ways, it even surpassed the iPod. While it borrowed elements, such as the Zune Pad control reminiscent of the iPod’s original scroll wheel, it also introduced unique features. One standout feature allowed Zune owners to share music with one another, albeit temporarily. Pretty crazy stuff for the mid-2000s.

Although Microsoft managed to sell millions of Zune units, it fell short of the impressive tens of millions achieved by Apple with the iPod. The Zune, while not a runaway success, left an indelible mark with its innovative features and attempts to carve its niche in a market dominated by Apple.

Gone Too Zune: Remembering Microsoft’s MP3 Player

Following the immense success of the iPhone, which captivated users with its versatile capabilities for communication and entertainment, Microsoft found itself without a compelling response. The original Windows Mobile platform proved to be inadequate and unsuitable for integration with the Zune.

When the Zune HD entered the scene in 2009, the Apple iPhone juggernaut had already gained significant momentum. Despite the Zune HD’s smaller, sleeker design and the absence of the Zune Pad, it left a lasting impression on those who witnessed its beauty in person.

Remarkably, the device featured an OLED-based touchscreen ahead of the iPhone, boasting a bold and vibrant interface that would later influence the now-discontinued Windows Phone platform. However, despite its aesthetic appeal, the Zune HD faced an unfortunate fate.

Within two years of its launch, Microsoft decided to effectively discontinue the Zune hardware business, leaving only remnants of the Zune software ecosystem. Eventually, even these remnants faded away, marking the end of an era for Microsoft’s venture into the digital media player market.

The Legacy of the Microsoft Zune

Fast forward to today and the Zune is not only gone but also mostly forgotten. Marvel bestowed upon it a miniature resurgence, albeit one rooted in name and nostalgia alone. But thanks to YouTube, you can revisit old videos and retrospectives on the Zune. You can remember the interface and exquisite industrial design.

The device seemed to possess all the essential elements for success in the contemporary realm of mobile technology, with its elegance and functionality standing out. However, the Zune’s struggle for prominence was perhaps hindered primarily by timing, as it entered the market at a juncture that didn’t align with the evolving landscape of digital media players.

So, let’s pour one out for our old buddy the Zune. Thanks for the memories, pal.