Chris Pratt and director James Gunn talk details and humor of Guardians of the Galaxy

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Director James Gunn and star Chris Pratt revealed details about their upcoming Phase 2 Marvel flick GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY to Empire Magazine, addressing the risks, theme, humor, and story. The cosmic-set tale is a first for a Marvel film, which can be a risky venture, but Pratt feels it's well in line with the company's risks thus far.

"Maybe it's a risk, I dunno. I think every movie Marvel's made has been a risk and they're risks that pay off really big. So I hope for the movie's sake, and my sake, that this one pays off. The story's really good and Marvel really knows what they're doing."

The obvious comparisons to STAR WARS have come up in the past, but director James Gunn offers up a counter to that argument, saying it's got a healthy balance of the space-themed films of the past, including an unexpected one…unless you're unfamiliar with his past work.

"It's not as broad as Galaxy Quest but it's not a straightforward space fantasy like Star Wars. I think it's the sort of the best of both of those films put together…and more!"

I'm sure the GALAXY QUEST comparison will ruffle some feathers, but if you've ever seen a James Gunn film (or the teaser for GUARDIANS shown at Comic Con), you'll know that humor plays a key role in his work. Without it, I'm sure he'd catch as much shit for "selling out" and playing it straight. Thankfully, that doesn't seem to be the case.

In terms of the story, the magazine reveals that "the team comes together when Peter Quill is thrown in jail and they then band together to escape and "go after a treasure that they all want for different reasons." The Comic Con teaser showed all of the GUARDIANS captured and in jail, so that sounds consistent. Gunn elaborated on the this element, emphasizing the arc of these characters that takes them from shady solo characters to a team of heroes.

"Our characters are basically all villains to begin with. They don't believe they're individually good and they don't believe each other is good, and through the course of the movie they discover they're heroes. If The Avengers are The Beatles, these guys are The Rolling Stones."

Cool stuff. Between CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY I expect another kick ass year for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (actually, a BETTER year altogether). I believe Gunn was the right guy for GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY from the get-go and the cast that's come together is amazeballs. Can't wait for that first trailer…

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY invades the universe on August 01, 2014.