The Scorecard Review news
News: Lee Pace is in final negotiations to play the villain in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. The cosmic adventure is set begin production in June ahead of its 3D release on August 1, 2014. Source: The Wrap
Thoughts by TSR: I approve. I’ve liked Lee Pace in everything he’s been in, so the idea of him playing a villain in a Marvel movie has me awfully excited. The Wrap is reporting that Pace is in final negotiations to join the film, and I really hope he officially signs on. The role is being kept a secret for now, but El Mayimbe over at Latino Review reported earlier this month that Thanos’ henchman, The Controller, would be one of the film's bad guys. It seems possible that is the role Pace is up for, though we’ll have to wait and see.
Before Chris Pratt was cast as Star-Lord, Lee Pace was one of the actors up for the role. I was into Jack Huston and Eddie Redmayne (this was before Pratt was mentioned), but if Pace had gotten it I would have been perfectly happy. Instead we get Pratt and Pace. While it’s surely a totally different type of villain, Pace was fantastic as fatuous nincompoop Fernando Wood in Lincoln. Assuming he signs on, I look forward to him giving the Guardians of the Galaxy trouble.
In addition to Pratt, we’ve also heard that Dave Bautista is playing Drax the Destroyer and Zoe Saldana is up for Gamora. While speaking with HeyUGuys, director James Gunn wouldn’t confirm Bautista or Saldana’s involvement. He didn’t deny it either, so I’m confident the earlier reports were accurate. I've been eagerly looking forward to the casting of Rocket Raccoon, but reading Gunn say he's the heart of the film is enough to hold me over. Along with Rocket Raccoon, we’re still waiting to find out about casting for tree-man Groot. We did hear from Deadline that frequent Gunn collaborator Michael Rooker ("The Walking Dead") is playing Yondu, a blue alien who uses a bow and arrow. Finally, THR reported that Ophelia Lovibond is involved as well.
Iron Man 3 is up there, and I really liked today’s trailer for Thor: The Dark World, but Guardians of the Galaxy remains my most anticipated film of Marvel Phase Two. I love the way it’s coming together, and I can't wait to see it.