With THE HATEFUL EIGHT still a week away from being seen by many, early reviews and impressions say that it is one heck of a good time. At the center is Kurt Russell, a fan favorite actor and potentially the next big star to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. According to The Wrap, Russell has emerged as James Gunn's top choice to play Peter Quill's father in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2. While the sources have also revealed that Marvel has not reached out to Russell nor has the actor auditioned for the role, his name has been bandied about as a top contender.
The identity of Peter Quill's father was teased throughout GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY. James Gunn has also stated that the character will not follow the same path as in the Marvel Comics where he has been either Jason of Spartax or Emperor Jason. Whatever the character's origins, getting someone with geek cred like Kurt Russell will only add to what is already a highly anticipated sequel. Russell's experience in genre films such as ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK and STARGATE will help him perform in a big tentpole picture. He is having a stellar year with his roles in THE HATEFUL EIGHT and BONE TOMAHAWK and Marvel Studios may be looking to capitalize on that popularity.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 is looking to begin production in the coming months so I would expect meetings to happen sooner rather than later. Russell will join Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, and Zoe Saldana in the sequel alongside Josh Brolin as Thanos. Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper will reprise their voice roles. The only other new cast member announced has been Pom Klementieff was cast as Mantis. If everything pans out, Kurt Russell would definitely bring something special to the film and I can already see him playing well off of Chris Pratt.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 hits theaters May 5, 2017.