Earlier this week it was discovered that Marvel had begun filing trademarks for various pieces of merchandise relating to Guardians of the Galaxy, a team of intergalactic superheroes first introduced back in 1969. What wasn't clear, however, was why. There was speculation that they were simply getting ready for a proposed new line of comics rumored to be written by Brian Michael Bendis, but it was also suggested that the team would be the subject of Marvel Studio's next film. According to Latino-Review, the latter is true.
The site is now reporting that Marvel Studios is now developing Guardians of the Galaxy as their second film of 2014 and that they will be making an official announcement about the project at this year's Comic Con. As of now, the studio has Iron Man 3 and Thor 2 set for 2013 and Captain America 2 and a mystery movie lined up for 2014. The suggestion is that Guardians will be that mystery movie. Latino Review's sources say that Thanos, who was revealed in the end credits of The Avengers, will be in the movie and that it will set up the events of The Avengers 2. It's also said that the project will take from the 2010 six-issue arc known as "The Thanos Imperative" and will include the character Nova, who isn't traditionally known as one of the members of the Guardians.
It should be noted that Latino-Review was also the site that said Black Panther would be Marvel's second film of 2014, so it's hard to say if this information is coming from fact or speculation. There has been talk of a Guardians of the Galaxy movie going back to 2009, so it's certainly within the realm of possibility.
But that's not the only Marvel movie news happening today. It's On The Grid is also reporting that Walt Disney Animation Studios might be getting into the superhero game as well. According to sources, the studio is currently looking to develop a feature based on Big Hero 6, another superhero group that was introduced back in 1998 and created by Steven T. Seagle and Duncan Rouleau. They are currently looking for someone to write the project and there's no mention of a director, but Kristina Reed is apparently attached to produce.
Until we hear official word from either Marvel Studios or Disney about these projects, I would recommend being at least slightly wary about these stories. If both stories end up being true, however, do you think they are the right choices for the future of Marvel?
