During a recent Q&A in anticipation of Iron Man 3, producer and head of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige discussed the forthcoming Guardians of the Galaxy adaptation, and finally introducing Doctor Strange in the third phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Transcription via @AsiaNemesi)
“It was long time that we wanted to bring in a movie and adventure set entirely in space,” Feige explained to Italian magazine Best Movie when asked why the James Gunn-directed space epic was greenlit. “We immediately liked the idea of making a movie based on a comic mostly unknown by people and that present various superheroes in one movie. Although it's set up from another part of the universe, a human will be in a superhero role of Peter Quill, played by Chris Pratt. There will be lots of characters: from a sexy warrior to an animated tree, and a raccoon with a gun. It's an unique franchise and we are pleased that it's so different from what we have done so far.”
Whether Phase Three will consist of only new heroes, Feige seemingly indicates there will be familiar faces per more sequels. “Currently the third phase is still developing. The 99.9% of our time is used for Phase 2, the development of The Avengers 2 and the Guardians of the Galaxy keeps us very busy. Definitely we're not leaving aside the old glories and we can also see familiar faces such as Iron Man, Thor and Captain America.” Lastly, after Kevin Feige was asked which superhero he's most excited to see on the big screen, he said, “Dr. Strange! I love the aura of mystery that surrounds this superhero and the magical world that surrounds him. We've never faced anything like this and there is a lot of material that we could exploit. I would love to also see a new superhero in the ranks of the Avengers. We shall see!”
Marvel Studios presents “Guardians of the Galaxy”—A big space epic featuring an unlikely cast of Marvel characters, including Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax the Destroyer, Groot and Rocket Raccoon, who must team up in order to defeat a cosmic force of epic proportions. Starring Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista & Zoe Saldana and directed by James Gunn from a screenplay by James Gunn, “Guardians of the Galaxy” is based on the Marvel comic book series “Guardians of the Galaxy,” first published in 1969 and revived in 2008. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures will distribute “Guardians of the Galaxy” on August 1, 2014, in 3D. In addition, 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; the sequel to “Marvel's The Avengers” on May 1, 2015; and “Ant-Man” on November 6, 2015!