Disney's next Marvel superhero movie “Guardians of the Galaxy” is tracking for an opening in the $60 million range, according to pre-release data that came online Thursday. That's a strong early projection for the film, which will introduce a new set of lesser-known Marvel Comics characters when it opens nationwide on Aug. 1.
James Gunn directs the action-adventure epic about a band of extraterrestrial misfits on the run after stealing a coveted orb, and co-wrote with Nicole Perlman. “Guardians” stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Lee Pace, Djimon Hounsou, Benicio Del Toro, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close and Karen Gillan. Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel and Josh Brolin will voice characters.
Marvel movies have been front and center this summer, including “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” and “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” which debuted in April. But “Guardians” is based on a comic-book series less well known those properties, and most moviegoers will be unfamiliar with characters like Star Lord (Pratt), Rocket Raccoon (Cooper), Thanos (Brolin) and Groot (Diesel).
It's big bet for Disney, with a production budget of $170 million. But the payoff will be considerable if the latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is able to launch another franchise. It will open against “Get On Up,” the James Brown biopic starring Chadwick Boseman (“42”).
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Disney/Marvel are set to launch yet another superhero property with Guardians of the Galaxy on August 1st. This week BoxOffice takes a closer look at the commercial prospects for this unconventional flick.
PROS:
- Disney's marketing campaign deserves an A+. Everything from the trailers to the posters have been spot on.
- Co-star Vin Diesel has a very loyal fanbase and a whopping 77 million+ likes on Facebook that he can promote Guardians to.
- Star Chris Pratt is on the rise and this movie is poised to make him an even bigger star.
- Releasing the film in August means it will face less competition that it would in May, June or July.
CONS:
- It may come across as too quirky and unconventional for some viewers.
- The trailer does not give off a family-friendly vibe.
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Marvel's next big franchise, Guardians of the Galaxy, doesn't hit theaters until August 1, but we think you should brush up on your movie knowledge before it comes out and becomes the worl-- scratch that, galaxy’s biggest movie. The basic outline of the plot is: "In the far reaches of space, an American pilot named Peter Quill finds himself the object of a manhunt after stealing an orb coveted by the villainous Ronan."
Parks & Recreation star Chris Pratt got seriously ripped for the part of Peter Quill/Star Lord, and there are some other faces you might recognize. Zoe Saldana is part of yet another franchise as she stars as Gamora and, though he might not actually be on screen, Bradley Cooper is voicing a character named Rocket Raccoon. HOWEVER, before these actors were chosen for their respective parts, there were quite a few other people who were considered. Here are 27 actors you didn't know were almost cast in Guardians of the Galaxy.
1. Joseph Gordon-Levitt— JGL auditioned and screen tested for the role of Peter Quill/Star Lord, but turned it down in order to join Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.
3. Aaron Paul— Yep, this Breaking Bad star auditioned and screen tested for Peter Quill/Star Lord too.
7. John Krasinski— John missed out on Captain America AND playing Peter Quill/Star Lord as he auditioned and screen tested for the part.
15. James Marsden— Cyclops also auditioned and screen tested for the role of Peter Quill/Star Lord.
18. Olivia Wilde— Olivia was offered the role of Gamora, but turned it down.
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and the rest of the bonus stuff at 3
Another Marvel Chris coming to slay
