Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Press Conference was held at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. Driving in to the building I was excited to get to see the stars of the movie and check out the new Hasbro Merchandise on display. After a delicious lunch (thanks WD Studios) and a quick look at the displays, I secured a seat in the press room and waited patiently for the event to begin.
Attending the press conference were Director, James Gunn, Michael Rooker, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, Dave Bautista and Benicio Del Toro. After a quick introduction and many pictures by the media photographers, the first question was asked of Producer, James Gunn.
Producer James Gunn shared that although these characters are not as well known as some of the other Marvel characters, he felt is was liberating to be able to be a part of a project that could bring new characters to audiences.
Asked about his role as Peter Quill, Chris Pratt commented about finding the right attitude and shared how he just trusted James Gunn. “The challenge is not like finding the attitude, it’s really just like being open and willing to go for it and try different things…” Chris also talked about how he saw himself taking on the role of a huge super hero, and shared how he was not sure he saw himself in this type of role and credits, James Gunn for the vision to see what the character needed to be.
James Gunn was asked about the inspiration behind the emotional journey and the exposed vulnerabilities the characters endured. James responded stating that the movie was about how a son’s relationship with his mom can manifest itself throughout the rest of his life which is the emotional factor of the movie. The second emotional component to the movie was that although we live in a world where everyone wants to be cool and tough, the characters are allowed to care and allowed the movie to evolve into a “film about family”.
The music was an important part of the movie and James Gunn commented on how he wrote all the songs from the movie into the screenplay from the start and felt the cassette tape and Walkman were the emotional center and a key character on its own.
Zoe Saldana talked about her role as Gamora. Zoe referred to her character as a lost soul full of pain yet trying to find that last bit of hope. Zoe also discussed how she incorporated the moves and fighting skills based on a spanish bullfighting dance sequence a friend had put together. Once Zoe saw this dance, she knew it was the perfect way to portray Gamora. “She’s a woman and she just has to be very seductive in the way that she tricks her enemy into falling into their own death.”
Benicio Del Toro was next in discussing his role as The Collector. When asked how Benicio approached his role, his response was that he tentative in trying out different things but James Gunn was very supportive and gave him the opportunity to take chances and try different things to make The Collector work.
The cast talked about the physical scenes and Chris Pratt teased Michael Rooker about leaving his knuckle prints on Chris’ ribs during one of the fight scenes.
Vin Diesel, Dave Bautista and Benicio Del Toro were asked about playing Marvel Characters. Dave started by saying “it was not so much about the Marvel thing” but more about making a movie that was new and original. Benicio Del Toro shared how sometimes you can “do a movie you this is great and then it doesn’t work” In this case, the movie “hit me on every sense” and he really enjoyed being in such a good movie.
Vin Diesel finished off the question by sharing that for him it started with the social media wanting him to do something with Marvel. Vin Diesel said playing a character that celebrates life was very therapeutic for him personally.
The group ended the session by sharing their favorite music from the movie. For James Gunn, “I want you back by the Jackson 5 are his favorite but in the movie it was Come and Get your Love by Red Bone which is the song that cemented the whole idea of the mixed tape in the movie. Chris Pratt said the song that “really worked for him was “Ooh, Child… because it had the perfect beat to run to. For Zoe Saldana, Cherry Bomb was the favorite because it helped prep the group up to save the day. Vin Diesel had a hard time choosing his favorite and instead talked about how he loved all the music. He shared how he sings the music all the time – Hooked on a Feeling with his son, and how Peter Quill’s soundtrack is an incredible collection. Dave Bautista finished the question with his favorite – I want you back (Jackson 5) and then added that his favorite film song Ain’t no Mountain High Enough because it was such a “feel good song … in a feel good scene where we finally come together and we are a family”.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is the story of Peter Quill, a human in an alien world that joins forces with a group of misfits, which include Rocket Raccoon, Groot, Gamora and Drax, the Destroyer. Together this group sets out to save the universe from evil and destruction. Guardians of the Galaxy premieres in theatres on August 1, 2014. Don’t miss this funny, heartwarming yet fierce battle filled movie sure to become a favorite of Marvel and Disney fans.
My name is Loretta Garcia and I am the Entertainment Writer for Chip and Co. Follow me on Facebook for the latest promotions, news and contests.
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