Kevin Feige is undoubtedly the go-to guy for all things Marvel-lous. Having risen through the ranks to the lofty position of President Of Production, he has had a hand in overseeing the comic book company’s cinematic output since 2000’s X-Men. Now that its output is structured to create a more cohesive universe across film and TV, Feige is very much the keeper of Marvel’s secrets. So, when he spends some time – albeit brief – discussing the forthcoming Guardians Of The Galaxy movie, everyone listens very, very closely.
Intended as the tenth instalment in the Marvel cinematic universe, Guardians Of The Galaxy is based upon the comic book superhero team of the same name. It follows the exploits of Peter Quill, who finds himself needing to strike an uncomfortable truce with a strange group of misfits, after he steals an important artefact and makes himself the target of a villainous manhunt. Starring Chris Pratt as Quill, the all-star ensemble cast includes Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, John C. Reiily, Michael Rooker, Djimon Hounsou, Benicio Del Toro and Glenn Close.
Written and directed by James Gunn, from a story he devised with Nicole Perlman, the film had been anticipated to fit in nicely with Marvel’s usual bright, witty tone – featuring comedic banter between well-written characters. However, Kevin Feige warned of something a little different when he spoke to Badass Digest recently:
“I think the surprise in Guardians will be that it looks like a weird, zany movie – and it is! – but we’re attempting to do, what James [Gunn] is attempting to do, which is make it a somber movie in places and a shockingly emotional movie in places. That’s the idea of the roller coaster ride when you go to the movies.”
This makes for interesting reading. When Marvel kicked their re-booted universe into high-gear with Iron Man in 2008, it was big, bold, and very, very funny. Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger and Avengers Assemble were also of a similar tone. Since then, however, the studio’s movies have taken on something of a darker, grittier sense. Thor: The Dark World, Iron Man 3, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier all have an edgier, more intense feel to them – as if the universe as a whole is suffering the same anxiety as Tony Stark since he flew into that wormhole over New York City.
Is this a deliberate move towards a more seasoned approach, following the incredible success of rival DC’s Dark Knight Trilogy? As DC set themselves up as real contenders on the back of that effective re-boot, and with the unexpected box office triumph of Man Of Steel, are Marvel making a tone adjustment ahead of the inevitable future showdowns between their respective superhero teams? Time will tell, and the proof will indeed be in the pudding, as we look forward to gorging ourselves on Guardians Of The Galaxy on August 1st, 2014.
