The creative team behind Guardians of the Galaxy took to Facebook this morning in order to answer fan questions before posting the official second trailer for the highly anticpated foray into the cosmic side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In all, the Q&A featured Chris Pratt (Starlord), Dave Bautista (Drax the Destroyer), Vin Diesel (Groot) Karen Gillan (Nebula), Director James Gunn, and Marvel Studios President & Producer Kevin Feige.
Below are the highlights from the Q&A. For all the questions and answers, be sure to check out the Guardians of the Galaxy Facebook page linked below.
For Dave Bautista: Do you now prefer drax's tattoo's over your own?
Dave Bautista: Drax's tattoos are way cooler than mine, but the similarity is that both of our tattoos tell our life stories.
If/when Marvel gives the go-ahead for a sequel, would you be willing to revisit Guardians as the director?
James Gunn: I believe I am contractually obliged to do that whether I want to or not. But, of course, I'd love it. I love these guys so much - the guys at Marvel and the cast. They've become very close friends.
Given his history in comedy, James Gunn, why was Chris Pratt the right guy to be Star Lord?
James Gunn: It's difficult to say what casting is like, but when someone fulfills a role completely, becomes a character, and even goes beyond what you originally expected, you just know. I don't know if I believe in true love and soul mates, but I do believe certain roles have soul mates, and Star-Lord and Chris are soul mates.
James Gunn, Are there going to be appearances by any of the other Guardians of the Galaxy from the Abnett/Lanning run without going into specifics? Either way, this movie looks rad.
James Gunn: Maybe sorta.
Will we get Starlord's origin told?
James Gunn: We get a large part of Star-Lord's origin. But there is always more to give up.
Will the movie be connected with any episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.D?
James Gunn: Maybe.
How do you even begin to create the vision for the production design for something like this? Did you have free reign to hire the designers you wanted?
James Gunn: Yes, I did. Charlie Wood, our production designer, was one of my primary partners on this film. We started with long long discussions, lots of photos, and my love of the artist Chris Foss - who we actually hired to work on the movie. He's a classic science fiction artist from the 70s and 80s.
I've loved the posters so far, especially the latest one. But any chance of a "villains" poster, as well?
James Gunn: There is indeed a chance of that and more. Bring on Yondu!!
Was their any kind of specific influence when shooting this movie?
James Gunn: So many. One of the biggest influences was - and no one is going to expect this answer - Magritte's Empire of Light paintings. I was also very influenced by many of the great space epics and science fiction films AND westerns like the films of Sergio Leone. Not to mention of course the comics, especially Abnett and Lanning and Jim Starlin.
James Gunn why couldn't the movie be any longer? Did you film everything you really wanted to?
James Gunn: Yes. The movie is just what I want it to be.
For James and Kevin: Was there ever a time when you had very opposing visions on a scene or character and how did you resolve that issue?
James Gunn: Every day. But the great thing about Kevin and me working together is that neither one of us have big egos about what we're doing. What's important is always creating the best movie possible, not getting what we want just because we think we're right. The truth is we agree 99% of the time. Those times that we don't, we talk about it, argue about it. Usually one of us wins the argument (our editors Fred Raskin and Craig Wood are often a part of these arguments). In those times no one wins we screen both versions and see what the audiences think. But, again, this has been over relatively minor stuff. Also, I trust Kevin on a lot of big issues and I think he trusts me a lot when it comes to comedy and character stuff. It's a really fun and enlivening partnership.
James there is so much great work you have done in the past. What was the factor that enticed you to take on Guardians?
James Gunn: I love raccoons, Marvel comics, and space operas. How could I pass this up? When would I give another chance. At one point in time our producers Jeremy Latcham and Jonathan Scwartz thought I was biologically engineered to make this movie. It's everything I love.
Is there going to be any mention of Drax's past in the movie or Rocket's adventures on Halfworld? Or even better if the Hulk has had interaction with Rocket before like in the comics?
James Gunn: We find out a little about their pasts. No Hulk in this movie, sorry.
To Kevin or James Gunn: For us fans of the original guardians can we expect anything else cool beyond Yondu (easter egg or otherwise)?
James Gunn: Easter egg wise, yes.
To Kevin Feige: In the Guardians of the Galaxy's film will have some easter egg from the Avengers 2 or 3 films?
Kevin Feige: Yes.
Is there a final cut? If so, how long is the movie?
James Gunn: The movie is very very close to final. We're around two hours long.
For Chris Pratt - What's Starlord's equipment like? Does he use the Elemental Gun? Can you keep it?
Chris Pratt: Yes. It’s not the exact elemental gun that you see in the comics but it’s close. His gun is awesome. Two great blasters and they are amazing and sadly they did not let me keep one but the next time i see one I’m going to steal it.