Marvel fans have heard grumblings of a movie adaptation of its Guardians of the Galaxy comic, with The Fast & Furious actor Vin Diesel playing an important role. The news was confirmed after director James Gunn posted a photo of Diesel alongside a model of Groot, and also ended another long-running Marvel Studios rumor.
Groot, a tree-like creature that is essentially immortal, will be voiced by Diesel. The character has appeared in animated Marvel series previously, with the late Michael Clarke Duncan providing the voice. Diesel, who has voiced characters in cartoons and video games in the past, should be a crowd-pleasing choice despite Gunn shooting down fan hopes that the actor would be playing Thanos.
“Yep it is completely official. AND he’s amazing,” wrote Gunn. “I never knew someone could say I AM GROOT so many different ways and with such feeling (and that sounds like I’m kidding but I’m not!).”
Gunn also added that Diesel won’t be playing the imposing evil force, Thanos, in future Marvel films, calling the rumor “silly” at one point. Marvel also confirmed the news with a post on its site as well.
Guardians of the Galaxy is a little tricky to explain, but the best way to think of them is an intergalactic Avengers squad. However, alien creatures and strange beings are in place instead of the largely humanoid make up of the earthbound team. In this interesting expansion of the Marvel cinematic universe, Thanos, a main enemy of the Guardians, is also expected to be featured.
Guardians of the Galaxy will be released August 2014.
Hit the next page to see a full-size photo of Vin Diesel and Groot.
[i09.com]
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Photo: Marvel Studios
