RUMOR: Are We Getting A Cameo From NOVA In GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY?

We've already had hints that Adam Warlock will be appearing in some form (possibly cocoon) in Guardians of The Galaxy, but another cosmic character is rumored for the outer-space action comedy. LatinoReview is claiming we'll see Nova also known as Richard Rider make a cameo in the film, possibly in an end-credits scene. It's not hard to imagine that happening since The Nova Corps. are a well established force in the film.

They Add that this character could be played by none-other-than Nathan "rumored for every Marvel role" Fillon. Previously, the talk was he was going to play Peter Quill's father. We'll have to wait until August to find out for sure, where they'll be using him. Fillion could be playing a cantina bartender for all we know.

This image that popped-up on Reddit has fuelled the idea Nova film is in the works. However, we haven't heard this from trades or other blogs. While a Guardians sequel was mentioned recently by JoBlow, making Nova a major character in the next film would more sense than getting his own film. I have to call bullshit on this image, since Captain America 3 and Doctor Strange are currently the only films eyed for Marvel's 2016 slate. Nothing says that Marvel isn't developing a movie, there had been rumblings that Adam Warlock and Nova could get movies in the future.

SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

RUMOR: Zac Efron Might Be Getting A Role In A Marvel Studios Project

It's been a very busy week for Zac Efron, his comedy Neighors co-starring Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen was number one this weekend. Knocking-off Amazing Spider-Man 2 from the top-spot, earning an impressive $51 million. Making it one of the biggest openings for an R-rated comedy. It's now come to the attention of LatinoReview that Marvel Studios is now interested in Efron. They reported the following this afternoon.

We can exclusively report that Zac Efron is being looked at for unspecified role in an upcoming Marvel Studios project. He was given a script for the project just recently and currently no one knows which part is actually in play.

This comes about a day after we learned that Channing Tatum has landed the role of Gambit in the X-Men franchise, which would include a standalone film. I noticed that Zac Efron recently earned some respect from the comedy community, in the same way Tatum has from 21 Jump Street and This Is The End. Thanks in part to recent comedic roles and his hosting duties on SNL. I supported the suggestion that Zac could make an excellent young Scott Summers in future X-Men films.

It should also be noted that two of his co-stars (Miles Teller and Michael B Jordan) from That Awkward Moment were cast in The Fantastic Four reboot. So there was already a bit of a Marvel connection. Not to mention that Zac was linked for a Star Wars role, which many were surprised he didn't end-up getting (it might still happen). Efron has a longstanding history with Disney and the company placing one of their rising stars into a Marvel franchise wouldn't be unheard of.

The role and project are being kept unknown at this point, but it sounds like it won't be Doctor Strange (expected to be an older actor) or Black Panther. LR mentions the Netflix series which opens-the-door for Efron to be considered for both Daredevil and Iron Fist. We've seen a younger Danny Rand portrayed on the Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon series, which has Agent Coulson as lead character. I would have to lean towards Iron Fist at this point, as some have pointed-out that Matt Murdock might be played by a more seasoned actor as well.

A couple of other roles could be Nova, Adam Warlock or Black Bolt, cosmic characters that would easily fit into a Captain Marvel movie, a sequel to Guardians of The Galaxy or the long in-development Inhumans film. It sounds like something the could be announced during Comic-Con along with the rest of Phase Three plans. That said, the character he is looking to play is included in an existing script.

Another character that has been teased for an extremely longtime, is Namor the Sub-Mariner. A movie has been in the works for ages at Universal Pictures, which actors such as Jason Statham mentioning interest. Iron Man 2 and Captain America: The Winter Soldier have had easter eggs teasing the underwater prince. Only problem is that the film rights are at Universal, right? Well this didn't stop Marvel from including The Incredible Hulk into the Phase One lineup, when the production was split between the two studios. It's very possible a similar deal could be worked-out in the future.


SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

Korvac Teased In GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, Hinting To Cosmic Wars?

We're under the impression that Marvel villain The Collector (played Benicio Del Toro) will be in the service of Thanos in Guardians of The Galaxy, when that is going to be revealed in the film is unknown. The Collector might not be only character in the Thor: The Dark World end-credits scene that is forbidding a giant cosmic threat (aside from Adam Warlock).

We see British actress Ophelia Lovibond playing a pink-skinned alien, who is the assistant to The Collector. Lovibond's character in Guardians is revealed to be Carina in Guardians of the Galaxy Prequel Infinite Comic #1. The comic book is a direct tie-in with the film and seemingly confirms she'll be playing the character Carina. In the comics, Carina is the Collector's daughter, but their relationship might not end-up father and daughter. It does raise the question, "does her inclusion mean Michael Korvac is coming?". Her father sends Carina to spy on Korvac to figure out if he's a threat or not, the two develop a relationship and she chooses Korvac over helping the Avengers.

Carina and Korvac become lovers, which doesn't turn out well for the universe. As the pair become the most powerful Marvel cosmic villains ever to exist. They eventually become threats to the entire universe as they spark a giant Cosmic War. Korvac also ties-in with The Guardians of the Galaxy. If we don't end-up getting a Planet Hulk crossover, we could see a giant Cosmic War storyline featuring, The Avengers, Guardians, Korvac and Thanos.

The cosmic threat is almost as equal to the Infinity Gauntlet Saga, and if Thanos had them under his control would be quite the match for the Avengers. Introducing the cosmic villains could also open the door for future cosmic universe projects like Guardians 2, Ms Marvel or even a Nova spin-off.

Another Source Says Nova Corps. Featured In GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

AICN is reporting that Marvel's version of intergalactic military/police Nova Corps. (similar to Green Lantern Corps) will be featured in Guardians of The Galaxy. We've been hearing since the early days of development of Avengers and Guardians that Nova would be introduced into the MCU. Not to mention that speculation grew from the concept art that might have had Nova ships in the sky. Marvel released a new Nova series at the same time they rebooted Guardians with their new comic. If original story details for the film are to believed, the group starts out to be prisoners and fugitives which could mean Nova Corps. are on their tails.

“I was contacted by a source..., telling me that after they had a dinner with a friend that is a confirmed part of [Guardians of the Galaxy]’s production team, that the friend let it slip over the meal that NOVA CORPS were definitely a part of the movie.” 

Kevin Durand (Real Steel, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Smokin' Aces) had been recently linked for a role in the film but it's unlikely it was for Drax. I could see him being apart of the Nova Corps. if not as Richard Rider.

SPECULATION: Could Joseph Gordon-Levitt Still Be In The Mix For GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY?

During the Oscars MTV caught up with Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Looper, Inception, Dark Knight Rises) on the red carpet and revealed he's completed shooting for Sin City A Dame To Kill For. The actor had been in the mix for Guardians of The Galaxy but Chris Pratt ultmately landed the role of Peter Quill/Star-Lord. There was talks that his involvement with Sin City 2 would axed his chances to be apart of the Marvel project, that doesn't seem the case.

"Yeah, we shot it already. It went so great. Robert Rodriguez is just a delightful human being. He's got so much creativity pouring out of him. He's got a painting studio set up next to where we shoot so that when there's downtime he encourages people to just go paint. How cool is that? So cool." 

While there have been rumblings of actresses testing for Gamora along with actors such as Adam Sandler, Jim Carrey and Jason Momoa linked for supporting roles. Two other possible in camera male roles that are still up for grabs might include Adam Warlock and Nova. These characters have been rumored for months and do play large roles in the cosmic stories and could spawn their own franchises.

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." 

Nova Corps Showing Up In GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY?

A interesting Guardians of The Galaxy rumor has surfaced. A Marvel insider has been Tweeting scoops which for the most part have been on the money. He teased recently that the lineup for Guardians of The Galaxy might be changed slightly and that the concept artwork has an Easter Egg in it. Apparently, someone guessed the ships in the background were apart of the Nova Corps. fleet. Which might be true seeing as Nova is aligned with the Guardians. Again, pure speculation but the ships are in the shape of the Nova symbol. There have been plot rumors suggesting that members of the Guardians start out as escaped convicts. Perhaps, the Nova Corps are the ones trying to put them back in prison.

Scott Porter Wants To Play Nova In GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, James Gunn Confirmed As Director

MTV caught up with Friday Night Lights actor Scott Porter about Guardians of The Galaxy and his campaigning for the role of Nova. The actor also commented on confirmed director James Gunn tackling the property. Porter has been spotted at a bunch of premires rocking Marvel tees and is a self-proclaimed comic book geek himself. Recently he has voiced Cyclops in the X-Men anime series. Scott had also tested for the role of Captain America for First Avenger.

"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 shephard 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..."

James Gunn has finally confirmed he will indeed direct and rewrite Guardians of The Galaxy. 

“For a month or so there’s been a lot of Internet speculation about my involvement with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Until now I haven’t said anything, because I’m trying to be less expulsive about this project than I am about the rest of my life. But last night I got the go-ahead from Kevin Feige to let you all know that, yes, indeed, I am rewriting and directing Guardians of the Galaxy. As a lifelong lover of Marvel comics, space epics, AND raccoons, this is the movie I’ve been waiting to make since I was nine years old. Kevin, Joss, and all the folks at Marvel have been amazing collaborators so far, and we’re committed to bringing you something majestic, beautiful, and unique.

I am incredibly excited. I am also incredibly grateful to the fans and the press for all their words of encouragement and support regarding my involvement with this project since the news first leaked. Thanks – you have, honestly, touched and overwhelmed me. And that’s it for now. Other than the occasional photos of my dog and cat here on Facebook, I’ll talk to you again in August 2014 when Guardians is released!”

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."