Brian Michael Bendis on GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Movie and Comic
Comic book writer Brian Michael Bendis recently talked to USA Today about his Marvel NOW! Guardians of the Galaxy comic book, but he also touched on the movie being made by James Gunn. Bendis is one of the consultants on the film project so he's got a good idea of what's going on. Here's what he had to say about his new take on the comic book story, which I'm sure serves as inspiration for the film.
I had this idea of one of the Guardians being an Earth member. It seemed like that would be a cool thing to do and would say a lot more what the book is. It'd be so easy for any of them to do otherwise [than be a hero], but instead they're being selfless. That's pretty cool. You look at Star-Lord and once you find his origin story, there you go, man. He's our Luke Skywalker. That's our Peter Parker right there. In the fight [Drax] is amazing, but in between those fights not only does he not know what to do with himself but there are constantly people challenging him or trying to make their name on him. [Gamora] thinks her father is a monster and is going to do whatever she can to stop it. Rocket's got a whole thing going on in his past and it's all messed up and he's the only one of his kind. It's hilarious how much you end up caring about him, and how much he cares about Groot makes you care about him. You start with the gag, then all of a sudden they're the heart and soul of the piece.
He went on to talk about the movie in general and explains why it's like the first Iron Man movie.
It's fantastical imagination. It's the best of what comics and movies can do — here is a new world, here is a new agenda. When the first Iron Man movie was put on the schedule, a lot of people were commenting in the exact same way: 'He's not a household name like Spider-Man. I don't know…' It's almost the exact same conversation we're having about Guardians. The potential is definitely there.
Not many people are familiar with Guardians of the Galaxy, but that doesn't mean it's not going to be a huge hit. I can only imagine what it'll be like when we see some of the first footage from the film, fans are going to go nuts for it!
The story follows a U.S. pilot played by Chris Pratt 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. According to Joss Whedon the movie is going to be awesomely twisted. I'm excited to see how this movie turns out!
Here's some artwork from the comic:
Guardians of the Galaxy Exclusive Preview