SPOILER SPECULATION: What To Expect From GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

LINEUP, VILLAINS AND STORY:  Concept art over the summer seemingly confirmed Kevin Feige's statement that the lineup would include Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Gamora, Drax and Groot. A story synopsis was leaked which sees the film focus on “a U.S. pilot who ends up in space in the middle of a universal conflict and goes on the run with futuristic ex-cons who have something everyone wants.” This pilot would be Peter Quill who eventually becomes Star-Lord the human leader of the Guardians. Quill is outfitted with Kree technology which helps his body adapt to space travel and alien planets. While the alien characters include a trigger-happy raccoon named Rocket who spends most of the time making wisecracks. There is also the giant wood alien Groot who is able to grow even larger and has regeneration abilities. It's been stated this won't be the final lineup with other classic characters along for the ride. Introducing a slew of cosmic characters could put the film on the scale of Avengers while establishing the Marvel cosmic as endless as Star Wars. We could see that originally announced lineup grow with possible additions that include Cosmo, Nova, Adam Warlock, Quasar, Mantis and Bug.

Thanos has been confirmed for the film and it's rumored that The Other will be returning with the surviving Chitauri. While the character Death is only briefly hinted to in his Avengers cameo it's possible she could be involved as well. Going on the run could very well mean the Guardians have stolen something of great importance. A few sites have speculated the items of interest would be the Infinity Gems (each has their own power) which could lead them to Adam Warlock and make them the most wanted people in the universe. When combined with the Infinity Gauntlet (currently in Odin's vault) the wearer becomes extremely powerful with the ability to control space and time. Thanos plans to use the gauntlet to kill half the universe as a romantic offering to Death.

Rumors that Nova Corps. will be playing a major role in the film have been circling online. The ships in the background of the concept art are possibly Nova ones. It makes sense the Nova Corps. could be the jailers and are now on the trail of the ex-cons (Guardians). Richard Rider seems like a solid cosmic character that could be trying to track down the Guardians.

James recently tweeted this image of a prop from the film which is teasing (also confirming?) Guardian member Cosmo. The Head of Security for Knowhere, the space station where the Guardians have made their homebase. He's a talking Russian dog with powers that include telepathy and telekinesis. It will be interesting to see how Cosmo fits into the film or if he just ends up a cameo or get's cut out altogether. Cosmo first appeared in Nova #8,  it's just another reason to think he'll show up. 

ORIGINS/CHARACTER DESIGNS UPDATED: It's being reported the team will get character updates along with their designs to fit the cinematic universe. Star-Lord will spend some time without his iconic mask/helmet as mentioned by Marvel artist Steve McNivens who is talking with the studio about their look. We've seen a similar change to Thor wearing his helmet less often in the films. Since you need to see an actor's face to see him emote a performance. Plus, it can be very difficult to shoot action scenes with something that heavy on your face/head. Not many high profiled actors would have been willing to sign-on only for their face to be covered-up for a majority of the film.

Another tidbit coming from LatinoReview who claim that Star-Lord, Drax and Gamora will see a shake up of their origins to fit the film better. The green skinned heroes more so because of their connections with Thanos. Gamora has a past with Adam Warlock which could mean we might see him too. I assume the pair will also see their barely clothed character designs updated. Nothing has been mentioned concerning Groot but I expect to hear him say more than "I Am Groot!".

SILVER SURFER, IRON MAN, STARK INDUSTRIES AND SWORD?: Apparently, during the talks between Marvel and Fox over the rights of Daredevil it was brought up that Marvel Studios wanted to use Silver Surfer and Galactius for Guardians. The bargaining tactic didn't exactly work as the Daredevil rights were left to revert back to Marvel. However, unless Fox has a Fantastic Four film in production sometime between 2013-2014 those rights could also come back to Marvel/Disney. That would open the door to all sorts of awesome storylines and expansion of the cosmic world.

Oddly, enough even though we've been hearing how separate the Guardians will be from the Avengers films a new rumor conflicts with that. As there is a rumor of Iron Man showing up at some point in the film. I imagine that Peter Quill's spaceship and tech could actually come from Stark Industries. Quill's origin is already being updated, so seeing him apart of SWORD wouldn't be a giant leap to make. Seeing Stark show up in the beginning to see his test pilot (Quill) off with an experimental ship would make sense. This could possibly lead to S.W.O.R.D. being setup and the introduction to Abigail Brand which were both created by Joss Whedon. Another theory is that the new Guardians comic series is going to be more in-line with what the film will look like. Iron Man outfitted with an outerspace friendly suit being a member of the team.

CASTING HOPEFULS: There haven't been any serious casting announcements made for the film but a couple of names have been put forth. Michael Rooker (Walking Dead) and MC Chris (Aqua Teen Hunger Force) are campaigning for the role of Rocket Raccoon. While he's been given a gruff Cockney voice in recent cartoons and video games it seems like he could lose the accent. Gunn regular Rooker spoke to about the chances of him landing a role in the film to Collider. While he had originally mentioned wanting to play Rocket, this time he mentions voicing Groot as an option as well.

"All of them. I’d play the racoon guy. I’d play the tree guy. They’re all very cool characters! But, I don’t know. Marvel and Gunn have their own thing going on. It’s very secretive. Until they decide, it’s very secretive. I don’t know any inside scoop, or anything like that. But, we talk. We’re still friends, so we hang out and talk. Whenever I’m in town, we get together. So, I know he’s very busy and working real hard on the rewrite and getting everything set to go. It’s always a pleasure to work with him, so whatever happens, happens."

"I would. Oh, yeah, sure! I’d have a lot of fun with it. I did a little interview earlier and had a similar question, and now it’s all over the internet that I’m campaigning for a role. All I said was, “Yeah, that would be cool!,” but now I’m campaigning. Dammit, I want that role! The fans really like the idea. I’ve noticed that. I did the interview, they showed it on the internet and, before I knew it, all my people were Tweeting it and posting it on Facebook. They’re interested in having me be a part of it, in some way."

"Gunn is always thinking of his friends and the people that he’s worked with. He’s quite a loyal director, and he’s a good friend, as well. He’s always, “Well, maybe Rooker can do this one. I think he’d like to do this.” I’m sure he’s thought of me, so we’ll see. Marvel has their agenda. Everyone has their own agenda, trying to get it cast and get it cast well. It’s going to be cool. I’m glad he’s involved with it. It’s a great, fun project. He’s a big fan! He’s been a huge fan of Marvel stuff since he was 12 years old, and even younger than that, I’m sure."

Kevin Smith recently tweeted that MC Chris (a rapper/voice actor) should voice Rocket. It led to Chris putting together a campaign on Facebook. I have to admit both choices are excellent but Chris' voice is beyond unique (super awesome when he gets angry). I'd love to see Rooker play Groot with Chris Ward voicing Rocket but nothing is for sure here.

Scott Porter (Friday Night Lights) who tested for Steve Rogers in Captain America: The First Avenger over the summer put it out to MTV he wants to play Nova. While nothing has been confirmed it's looking very likely that Nova Corps and Nova will be featured in the film. Porter might have an in with the studio from testing previously for Captain America and hasn't been discouraged by that original outcome.

"Marvel just announced that they're doing 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' which is another property that I love. I read it growing up...I'd love to play Nova or another [cosmic character]." 

"Gunn is a unique choice. I think he could be a really great shepherd for that property," added Porter. "I think 'Guardians' is going to be a lot of fun. I think it'll be very cool. I thought the next thing I might try and go after is 'Heroes for Hire,' but it looks like 'Guardians' is around, so..."

A lot of Nathan Fillion (Firefly) fans had assumed that he'd end up with a role being a close friend of Gunn's. After being apart of both James' Super and Slither it wouldn't be hard to imagine Nathan would be asked to join the film. Rumors started online that he was wanted for the lead role of Star-Lord. That had been dismissed by Fillion who recently stated to MTV that he was going to be too busy focusing on his series Castle. Previously, he came out said he had zero desire to play Ant-Man even before the film's official announcement this summer.

"I'm very busy right now with a job that I'm grateful for," Fillion told the site when asked about possibly starring in Guardians of the Galaxy. "I've made a commitment [to 'Castle'] and I have to see it through. And I'm really happy to." 

"We had dinner the other night and he told me all about it, before everyone found out. I was on the inside on that one. Over some toro, tuna belly, we discussed how excited he is, how nervous he is, but how he wanted it very badly. He wanted it very badly. I think it's in very capable hands. It's in the right hands. Having worked with the man, I know what he's capable of." 

Fan Made Teaser Poster For GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Movie Will See The Team Get An Updated Look?

Newsarama (via CMB) has word from Steve McNiven that he's helping concept artists at Marvel Studios tweak the look of the Guardians of The Galaxy. We saw a piece of concept artwork over the summer but it seems like that won't be their final look. There had been rumblings of Nova and Adam Warlock joining the lineup which includes already has Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, Drax and Groot. Steve gives the impression the studio is looking for an updated look for the team. The original movie concept artwork from Comic-Con had used the costumes from the last series of the group (an outdated look possibly?). For his new comic series Steve has updated the group comic book series (which includes Iron Man among the ranks) with new militarized tech-based costumes. They look somewhat similar to what we've seen in video games such as Mass Effect and Halo which could be sources for the look of the characters. We've seen the games influence movies already with Prometheus taking cues design-wise from Mass Effect. Star-Lord and Gamora's new look reminds me of the concept art that was put together for the in-limbo Avengers Vs. Skrulls video game.

"I'm trying to re-design the whole team here....My approach to the designs was to match them to the characters and to update the look. Double-breasted jackets and outer space adventure don't really fit these days."

"I have been in touch with the movie studio guys and we are all tossing design ideas around, so hopefully we can have some unity between the movie and comic looks." 

Michael Rooker Wants To Be Rocket Raccoon In GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

While there has been lots of speculation that Nathan Fillion is a lock for the role of Star-Lord in Guardians of The Galaxy there hasn't been much of the way for the other team members. There had been rumblings of Bob Hoskins' gravely cockney voice for Rocket . However, character actor Michael Rooker (Super, Slither, Mallrats, Henry, Walking Dead) has come out in support for James Gunn landing the directing gig via MovieWeb. Rooker has a solid supporting role in both Gunn's Slither and Super having a close working relationship. He hopes that he'll be asked to take on the role of Rocket Raccoon which seems like a perfect fit. Michael is known for badass roles, so to see him take on Rocket could make him yet another breakout star from the Marvel franchises.

"Oh, yeah. Most certainly. I know that James Gunn is doing it. He is directing it, and he is re-writing it. He is a very loyal director. He is a very loyal writer, when it comes to working with people that he knows and loves. He really appreciates the efforts that each actor puts into these roles. And I would be very honored and pleased to work with James Gunn again...Whether it will happen or not, I don't know. But he is a dynamite guy, and we have remained friends ever since we worked together on Slither.

I haven't done much research on it at all yet. Because I don't know what is going to happen. I'm really crazy busy with The Walking Dead right now. But you know what? Write this up. Tweet the [frick] out of it. If the fans want me as Rocket Raccoon, Marvel will listen to you guys, I think, sometimes...Perhaps I will be lucky and blessed enough to go in there, and go at it with Mr. Gunn again, who knows?"

Marvel's 'GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY' Coming August 2014, Plus Concept Artwork

It's official Marvel has announced that Guardians of The Galaxy will be released on August 1st 2014. This will be the first film featuring new characters since Captain America: The First Avenger and could setup events leading to Avengers 2. We currently don't know the film's antagonist but it very well could be Thanos as the Avengers button scene was likely setting up Guardians. The film's script was written by Nicole Perlman who also turned in a draft for the Black Widow solo film. It's expected a director will be chosen soon along with casting set to begin.

Here is a piece of exceptional character concept artwork from artist Charlie Wen who has contributed to many of the Marvel films. Shown at SDCC it features Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Drax The Destroyer, Groot and Gamora revealing the team's lineup. Their costumes look definitely more cinematic than the comic book versions of the characters.

Kevin Feige Confirms Lineup For 'GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY'

During some Avengers press Marvel's Kevin Feige spoke to Crave giving a slight update on The Guardians of The Galaxy. The studio's first large scale film exploring the cosmic-universe recently became yet another project in the works. Kevin during the interview gives an impression of what the Guardians lineup will look like which includes Star-Lord, Drax, Gamora, Groot and Rocket Racoon. While the newest incarnation of the team also has Adam Warlock and Nova among the ranks those characters are likely to get their own films or will be saved for sequels. However, they very well could end up in the final roster. As it looks now the project could end up one of the releases in 2015 or even later down the line.




QUESTION: When asked about which non-sequel projects Marvel Studios was prioritizing at the moment, Feige said, "I think whether it's Ant-Man, or Dr. Strange, or The Inhumans, or The Guardians of the Galaxy..." To which we eagerly cried, "Rocket Racooooon...!" 


FEIGE: "We are very excited about bringing things like that, maybe things exactly like that, to the screen. [...] When you tell people, you know what would be really cool? This movie, and there's a raccoon, and there's a tree... And they go, 'What?' And people like you know what it is, and get excited. And the majority of people go, 'Did you say a raccoon and a tree?' 'Oh yeah, they're going to steal the whole movie. They're hilarious.' 'Okay, I'll believe it when I see it.' I like that." 


QUESTION: When asked to confirm that an upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy movie would be focused on the new team, as opposed to the original team, created in 1969 which had their own well-received series from Jim Valentino in the 1990s, he clarified: 


FEIGE: "Yeah. It's more Star-Lord and Drax and Gamora, and less Vance Astro and that team."