The Guardians of the Galaxy Get Their Own Cartoon!

The Guardians of the Galaxy opens in theaters this week, and I could not be any more excited!  Then I learn that Marvel announced at San Diego Comic-Con that the GotG crew is getting their own cartoon!  Now I am basically frothing at the mouth.

According to Comic-Con attendees, Marvel showed off a 1-minute sneak peek of the cartoon featuring Star-Lord and Rocket test footage.  No date has been set for the debut of the show, though we know it will broadcast on Disney XD alongside Marvel's other current cartoons, Ultimate Spider-Man, Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., and Avengers Assemble.  Marvel also stated that the Guardians will be making guest appearances in the other Marvel cartoons before they launch their own series, to keep the team fresh in the audiences mind.

Lets hope Marvel makes something good this time. I'm really over the nonsensical plot-lines and fart jokes that plague Ultimate Spider-Man.  Also, I am not digging the Rocket character design AT ALL (see below). But, again, this is a cartoon and aimed at kids, so I really shouldn't complain.  I get a full length GotG movie in less than a week! WOOOO!

Marvel Releases Movie Lineup For Next 5 years

Marvel Studios has released their movie lineup through 2019, which includes five films without titles!  There are two unnamed films in 2017, two in 2018, and one in 2019. According the the announcement, the new films will be hitting theaters July 28th and November 3, 2017 (on top of the previously untitled May 5th, 2017 title); July 6th and November 2nd 2018; and May 3, 2019.  My mind is reeling with speculations! I am betting we find out a bit more of what these mystery movies will be at ComicCon next week.  Please oh please oh please let there be a Black Panther and a Captain Marvel in there somewhere! Can you imagine if Captain Marvel was announced before a Wonder Woman movie?!  Here is what the timetable (and some of my predictions) now looks like:

2015

May 1: The Avengers: Age of Ultron

July 17: Ant-Man

2016

May 6: Captain America 3

July 8: Doctor Strange

2017

May 5: Untitled (Captain Marvel?)

July 28: Untitled (Black Panther?)

November 3: Untitled (GotG 2?)

2018

July 6: Untitled (Avengers 3?)

November 2: Untitled (?)

2019

May 3: Untitled (?)

The fangirl inside me wants to see banners like this in the ComicCon footage:

Created by the talented SkinnyGlasses

Created by the talented SkinnyGlasses

Created by the talented SkinnyGlasses

Created by the talented Pencils and Nougats

First Official Still From GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY!

HOLY BALLS, YOU GUYS!!!!  The very first official still from Guardians of the Galaxy has been released.  As you can tell, it is a realization of some awesome concept art that was released early last year!  I am now even more excited that this is happening...THIS YEAR!!

Here is the official word from Marvel that accompanied the unveiling of the still:

From Marvel, the studio that brought you the global blockbuster franchises of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, comes a new team — the Guardians of the Galaxy. An action-packed, epic space adventure, Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits — Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Peter discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand — with the galaxy's fate in the blanace. Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" is presented by Marvel Studios. The film releases August 1, 2014, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

GOTG: Kevin Feige Gives Up The Goods On Character Details

Marvel Studios President, Kevin Feige, has given up quite a bit of detail to Empire Magazine in his interview this month.  Check out what he has to say;

"They are an unlikely band. It's pure circumstance that brings them all together throughout the course of the movie. Rocket has been genetically and mechanically altered, he's an experiment from one part of the galaxy. Groot is a species that happens to look like trees look, and is quite communicative if you can understand the different inflections in the way he says, "I am Groot." Peter Quill left Earth in the mid'80s, but when we meet back up with him he's very much a citizen of the universe. Drax has one goal and one goal only, which is to kill Ronan because of a past tragedy. When we meet Gamora, she's a bad guy working with Ronan and Nebula and Korath, and by extension for Thanos. Gamora doesn't necessarily like doing that anymore, and tries to find a new path for herself. But she has a reputation as the deadliest woman in the galaxy that people aren't greeting her with open arms."

Wow.  That is more info than anyone has given up thus far.  But, it's also basically the exact same character details as in the comics....so not really anything shocking.  

When asked whether Guardians of the Galaxy takes place at the same time as marvel's other "Phase 2" movies, Kevin Feige had this to say, "The general answer is yes. It's not exactly revealed what year or month it is in relation to the other Phase Two films. But yes, it's the same time." So, while it may take place at the same time, just how connected will it be to the "Phase 2" films? "Certainly more than the others. We've already said that Thanos plays a part in it and is a character in it. That in and of itself should tell you it's connected to the other worlds." Talking of Thanos, many fans expected the Mad Titan to be the main villain in the sequel to The Avengers, but it was recently confirmed that it will be Ultron who fills that role. So, will he be the main foe in Guardians of the Galaxy? Not quite! "Ronan The Accuser is very much the main bad guy. And Thanos is lurking above it all. You will learn more about Thanos in Guardians, for sure. Certainly you'll get more than the one turn around and smirk. You'll get much more than that!"

GOTG: Set Photos Of Michael Rooker as Yondu

Check out these awesome Guardians of the Galaxy set photos from SuperHeroHype!

I love the practical effects, and I am sure they will be cleaned up some in post production.  But what do you think of Yondu's lack of his dorsal fin?  I wonder if that will be added via CGI or if they are leaving it out...since it is kind of silly looking.

Is Bradley Cooper Voicing Rocket Raccoon In Marvel's GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY?

Maybe.  As in "el mayimbe."  Yes, Latino Review is back again with it's trusty inside sources and claims of exclusive news!  El Mayimbe claims to know for a fact that Bradley Cooper's reps have received an offer for Cooper to voice Rocket Raccoon in James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy.  Apparently we are just waiting on bated breath for him to accept.

I call bullshit.  Bullshit on the whole thing!  El Mayimbe should be run out of town for the amount of "inside scoops" and "exclusives" that wind up being proved incorrect.  Remember when he reported "exclusively" that Conan star, Jason Momoa, was going to be cast as Drax?  See how that turned out?! He needs to just stop.

Not that I would mind Bradley Cooper as the voice of Rocket.  I think he would be excellent, even though I prefer Rocket with his cockney accent.  I would also prefer Cooper for a larger Marvel Universe role...say as Hank Pym, aka Ant-Man!

Drax's Rap Sheet From GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Leaked Footage

Instagram user, and CBM member, THS_Romey has posted yet another screengrab from his less than legal cam of the Guardians of the Galaxy footage shown at Comic-Con and D23 Expo.  This time we can see a bit more clearly the charges against Drax the Destroyer and a few of his enhancements.

In case you are having trouble reading the grainy footage, here is what Drax has charged against him:

Name
DRAX
Subject: Drax
Alias: The Destroyer
Species: Unknown
Length: 204 Microbulles (?)
Weight: 3992 Casts (?)
Enhancements: Enhanced Musculature,
Impact Resistant Skin,
Augmented Cellular Regeneration

Name
DRAX
Subject: Drax
Criminal Record:
22 Counts of Murder
5 Counts of  GBH (grievous bodily harm)

Pretty impressive stuff.  I wouldn't want to mess with him.

Thank you THS_Romey for this screen grab!  I cannot wait for you to release Gamora's rap sheet!

I don't have the footage that shows this rap sheet, but I do have the 30 second main clip in a previous post:
 Updated with HD and another clip: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY leaked Comic-Con footage
and the Star-Lord bit:
Star Lord Footage and Rap Sheet (Leaked Footage)

Check out my other posts for Cap2 and more.

James Gunn Is Working Chris Pratt and Dave Bautista Extra Hard For GOTG

James Gunn tweeted that he made Chris Pratt and Dave Bautista reshoot an action scene 22 times to get it just right!  That is dedication!

Today I worked @DaveBautista & @prattprattpratt harder than anyone since @Michael_Rooker on Slither. 22 takes of a 1 shot action sequence!
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) August 20, 2013

Keep up the good work, boys!

Zero Percent Chance Of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Comic-Con Footage Being Released

When asked what the odds are of the critically acclaimed Guardians of the Galaxy Comic-Con footage being officially released by Marvel/Disney, Director James Gunn replied, " Zero precent chance, sorry! I know a lot of you have seen the shaky camera footage, but it was made after 12 days of shooting and isn't a true reflection of the awesomeness we're trying to create for you."

BOOOOOO!  This is absolute crap.  If it doesn't represent the movie you are trying to create, then why show it at all at Comic-Con and D23 Expo?!  I am now on a mission to hunt down someone who cammed the entire presentation.  I WILL see this complete footage.

If you haven't seen the 30 second shaky came, here it is:

And here is a snippet regarding Rocket Raccoon:

And here is a snippet featuring more Star-Lord:

Star Lord Footage and Rap Sheet (Leaked Footage)

Well it appears Peter Quill has some 'spraining to do.  A lovely user over at CBM has posted a clear shot of Star Lord's electronic rap sheet and a clip showing him flipping the bird while in a lineup.  Check it out.

It's terrible quality...I know...but it's leaked footage.

I assume it's blurred due to D23 Expo being a kid friendly environment.

I just want to point out that Peter has 1 count of a sex crime, "illegal manipulation of Gramosian Duchess."  Hmm, sounds kind of rapey.  I wouldn't doubt if Disney changes the wording on that by the time the movie hits.  And...have you SEEN a Gramosian?!

Admittedly I've never seen a female Gramosian.  They are a black and red hairless humanoid species.  Very kinky.

Official: Vin Diesel IS Groot (But Not Super Officially)

Well Vin Diesel is finally openly confirming that he is voicing Groot in Marvel's space epic, Guardians of the Galaxy.  He spoke with the LA Times and this is what he had to say;

Hero Complex: OK, so why Groot?

Vin Diesel: I’m an actor. I can do whatever the … I want. As an actor, not everything has to be the most obvious choice. And sometimes, the best thing you can do — as far as Steven Spielberg and his advice — is to defy expectations. So if everybody thinks you’re going to go for this one thing and you flip it entirely and go for the strangest Marvel character, it’s interesting. And when something is interesting, it’s inspiring.

HC: Why did you post a picture of the character on Facebook this weekend?

VD: I get inspired by things. So if somebody sends me a book of conceptual art that’s the best character design work I’ve ever seen — I’m not kidding, I see that and I want to be a little cryptic and I want to say something positive. Even if it’s as cryptic as an old, dated image of a character.

HC: Marvel is notoriously secretive about its movies, and you’re very open. Isn’t it mad you’ve been dropping hints about “Guardians”?

VD: The last thing they are is mad. I’m pretty open, but I have been secretive about this. I went to Comic-Con and I got blasted while I was on the Hall H panel for “Riddick.” Someone asked a Marvel question. I couldn’t say anything because of that secrecy.

HC: Chris Pratt just tweeted that they’re already halfway through with production on the movie. When would you film this?

VD: That’s the thing — I’m so busy. The audience wanted Vin and Marvel, Vin and Marvel. But I’m too busy to do a six-month role. So what Marvel came up with was really interesting. … I am watching a social wave influence and in some ways guide their thinking.

HC: Why have your fans been so passionate about you being part of a Marvel movie?

VD: It’s a weird thing. The audience wants Marvel and I to do something, and I don’t know why it’s so important. For six months, I wasn’t able to answer this growing request. Maybe they think of Dom [Diesel’s character in the “Fast & the Furious” movies] as a plain-clothes superhero? There’s something multicultural and interesting about that gravitas to bring the Marvel universe. I don’t know. Maybe because I’m the kind of guy who will put up a post [on Facebook] that’s different.

Ok, so here's what I really think went down:  

Vin: I wanted to play the Vison.  It's been my lifelong dream.  Feige ignored my pushy facebook fans and realized that just because I am a bald actor doesn't mean "oh he should play Vision."  So Marvel only offered me the talking tree. And I scooped that shit up.  Cuz, you know, I'm not THAT dumb."

Vin Diesel Voicing Groot in GOTG

The new rumor is that Vin Diesel "confirmed" he was voicing Groot in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy movie.  This apparent confirmation was due to the fact the he changed his facebook cover image to this,

which is an early iteration of the tree-like alien from the Guardian of the Galaxy comic books.  It was put up without a caption and without fanfair.  Then the interweb fanboys lost their minds and started posting that Vin Diesel WAS voicing Groot.  Here's hoping its true.  I liked his work on Iron Giant.  His voice is gravely and perfect for Groot.  And depending on which Groot version they go with, he may only say three key words, "I am Groot." (and earlier comic version of Groot had him jabbering quite a lot)

Geez, this gets me right in the feels.

  Plus, if this rumor turns out to be true...we can put to death that horrible rumor about him portraying Vision in Avengers 2.  I would absolutely hate that.

Now if only we can get some rumor info on who is voicing Rocket Raccoon.  Gawd, I wish Bob Hoskins was not retired from show business.  He would be my ideal choice for Rocket Raccoon.  I really hope they get a cockney to voice him.  It's the only way to go, in my book.

Bob...oh wonderful Bob!

And just in case you were under a rock and missed the leaked Comic-Con footage...visit my earlier post here: GoTG Leaked Footage

Updated with HD and another clip: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY leaked Comic-Con footage

Holy crap ya'all!  FINALLY some Comic-Con leaked footage has appeared online for Marvel's Guardian's Of The Galaxy.  It's grainy and all (it IS a secret cam after all), but you can definitely get the idea of what director Gunn is trying to portray.  Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) looks sexy as f###, Rocket and Groot look bad ass, Dave Bautista looks menacing as Drax the Destroyer, and Gamora (Zoey Saldana) looks...green.  I knew she would obviously be green.  I love her comic character, but the green just looks so fake to me.  Hopefully this gets fixed up a bit before the movie is out.  Gamora look like she is laying down the hurt though!  I cannot be anymore excited for this movie.  I can't wait for an actual legal trailer to be released.  But until then, feast your eyes on this....

Now in HD Cam!

Skottie Young Variant Covers for GOTG and WOLVERINE!

Skottie Young's "Li'l Marvel" pieces are quickly becoming some of my favorite comic book cover artworks!  Just check out these two variant covers coming out next month:

"There’s a new rule in the galaxy: No one touches Earth! No one!! Why has Earth become the most important planet in the Galaxy? That’s what the Guardians of the Galaxy are going to find out!! Join the brightest stars in the Marvel universe: Star Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, Groot and--wait for it--Iron-Man, as they embark upon one of the most explosive and eye-opening chapters of Marvel NOW! These galactic Avengers are going to discover secrets that will rattle Marvel readers for years to come! Why wait for the movie? It all starts here!"

"The best there is at what he does gets an all-new on-going! Pay attention very closely: there’s a mystery here that even Wolverine hasn’t sniffed out yet. When Wolverine finds himself the bargaining chip in a hostage situation, he must make a decision to save a little boy that will follow him forever…literally! How can a berserker fight what he can’t see? And how far will he go to assert his humanity in the face of the Unknown? Find out when superstars Paul Cornell (CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI:13, Doctor Who, Action Comics) and Alan Davis (AVENGERS, CLANDESTINE, EXCALIBUR, UNCANNY X-MEN) take on the Wolverine!"

Check out Skottie Young on Twitter: @skottieyoung