As announced at Comic-Con and showcased via concept art, Marvel Studios' live-action Guardians of the Galaxy adaptation will focus on the superhero team's 2008 incarnation. This is likely due to the reboot, penned by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, being considered more “modernized” than the 1969 original 31st-Century lineup.
In learning that Marvel Studios was adding the interstellar heroes to their cinematic universe, Andy Lanning offered Newsarama a statement on behalf of Abnett and himself. Expressing their excitement, while thanking others involved in addition to commenting on whether they're involved with the film, the statement reads:
“Dan and I are really excited to see the Guardians of the Galaxy make it to the big screen, especially as it would appear to be the iteration of the team established during our run on the title. We will be eager to see the film along with all the fans of cosmic stories.
One thing we'd like to go on the record with is that we owe a huge debt of thanks to the great stories of our predecessors, in particular, Jim Starlin and Keith Giffen, these guys are the giants on whom we stood. Beyond that, we're sorry but we really don't know anything [about the movie], so we can't make any further comment.”
Marvel Studios presents “Guardians of the Galaxy”—the big cinematic event exploring an interstellar super hero team-up, featuring Marvel characters Star-Lord, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon and Groot. While story details are under wraps, the film is rumored to lead with 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.
From a screenplay by Nicole Perlman and Chris McCoy, “Guardians of the Galaxy” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “Guardians of the Galaxy,” first published in 1969 and revived in 2008. While a director and ensemble cast have yet to be announced, “Guardians of the Galaxy” will assemble on August 1, 2014. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures will distribute the film. In addition to “Guardians of the Galaxy”, Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on other iconic Marvel characters including “Iron Man 3” on May 3, 2013; “Thor: The Dark World ” on November 8, 2013; “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” on April 4, 2014; and the currently-untitled sequel to “Marvel's The Avengers,” the third highest grossing film of all time, on May 1, 2015.