On April 10 Marvel released a second trailer for what is most certain to be the big blockbuster this summer, Guardians of the Galaxy. The movie looks top further distance Marvel from their chief rival DC Comics, notably by favoring irreverent, self-reverential humor over dark gravitas. Which of course worked out like gangbusters for last summer’s The Avengers, also known as the third-highest grossing movie ever made (behind only Avatar and Titanic).
The lead of Guardians of the Galaxy, Chris Pratt AKA “Star Lord,” displays a vulnerability and wit akin to Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man. He's about as far afield from a stoic Superman or a brooding Batman as you can get. It’s a decidedly different type of leading man, and one that seems to be working fairly well for the Marvel franchise.
Marvel as well has shown they're not afraid to try out an indie autuer for a mega-production. The Iron Man series has been notable for using low-key comedy guy Jon Favreau (Swingers) as opposed to an established action director. WIth Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel tapped James Gunn, most well known for low budget horror Slither and superhero send-up Super. On the latter, it once again shows that when it comes to summer blockbusters, the studio favors directors with comedic chops as oppsoed to a track record in the action genre.
Guardians of the Galaxy is slated for August 1, 2014 release. That release date – at the tail end of summer but right before school gets back in session – is considered the absolutely premier spot for a summer smash to maximize box office take. While the film might not touch The Avenger’s $1.5 billion in worldwide ticket sales, estimates peg Guardians of the Galaxy’s box office take at $1.1 billion, or in the top 10 of all time.
Zoe Soldana, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, and John C. Reily co-star. Watch the trailer below:
