James Gunn has revealed that the original plan for Guardians Of The Galaxy, and it didn't look too pretty for one specific character. Gunn had planned to to kill off Michael Rooker’s Yondu and had even filmed the scene showing the character's demise. But, at the last minute, the director made the decision to cut Yondu's death out of the film.
The blockbuster’s writer and director made the revelation during a special Guardians Of The Galaxy Live Commentary/Q&A event that he held on his Facebook page. This was just one of a plethora of revelations that James Gunn made during his vast discussion with the cyber Guardians Of The Galaxy fans who joined in with his viewing. As Guardians Of The Galaxy made its way into its final moments, James Gunn flippantly commented …
"In the original script (that I wrote) Rocket had a little bomb in this scene. At the end Quill put it in the Orb when he gave it to Yondu. And, as Yondu flew away at the very end, his whole ship exploded."
Can’t remember the precise scene that James Gunn is talking about? Don’t fret, because I’m here to explain it for you. After Peter Quill, Rocket Racoon, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora and an obliterated Groot destroyed Lee Pace’s Ronan the Accuser, Yondu arrived and got his grips on the orb that he had been following Peter Quill around the galaxy for. Inside it he expected to find an Infinity Stone. Instead he found a troll. Leaving himself open to return for 2017’s Guardians Of The Galaxy 2. And if, as expected, the sequel revolves around the unveiling of Peter Quill’s father then Yondu is destined to feature heavily.
James Gunn noted that plenty "of people" were upset at him for removing this scene from Guardians of the Galaxy. However I have to admit that I think he made a wise choice editing it out and leaving Yondu aboard his ship without the Infinity Stone but still alive and well. Having Peter Quill murder Yondu would have severely altered the character. It would have turned him from a loveable lead that almost seemed to bumble his way through the tale into a vindictive and calculated killer. And that would have been hard to stomach. Especially moving forward.
It also means that Guardians Of The Galaxy’s immense ensemble is still intact. Well, for the most part anyway. Sure Ronan the Accuser is dead, but I think we can we all admit that he was probably the weakest part of the film anyway. Sorry Lee Pace. Even though Guardians Of The Galaxy’s immense popularity comes down to a number of factors - which included its perfect blending of both thrilling action and hilarious comedy, and the fact that it emanated a warmth that meant all the family could enjoy the adventure too - its perfect posse of actors was the main reason it thrived. Getting rid of Michael Rooker’s Yondu would have severely altered the sequel’s rhythm. Now he can be introduced once again with consummate ease and it help to immediately remind viewers of the original.
I don’t know if you can tell, but I’m a big fan of Michael Rooker. Fingers crossed he features prominently in Guardians Of The Galaxy 2 when it rolls around on May 5, 2017.
