2016 was a rough year in regards to celebrity deaths, as a ton of legends unfortunately passed too soon. One of of these devastating losses was the passing of the iconic singer/actor David Bowie. And before his passing, James Gunn originally planned to bring Ziggy Stardust into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Bowie's planned role has been a mystery for quite some time, although the director/writer Gunn only recently revealed what role he would have had. When asked by a fan, James Gunn revealed:
I wanted David Bowie to play a member of Yondu's original crew.
Well, it was either that or covering the guy in gold as a member of the Sovereign. Although a golden Bowie is something that his fanbase would have likely drooled over.
James Gunn shared the news of David Bowie's original role via Facebook. Gunn is probably the most active member of the Marvel Cinematic Universe on social media, constantly communicating with fans through Facebook lives and responding to tweets. It was through this dedication to the fans that Bowie's planned role was revealed, so big ups to the fandom.
In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Yondu's original Ravenger crew appeared toward the end of the film. After Michael Rooker's character tragically dies to save Star-Lord, it was revealed how fondly the two really thought of each other. Yondu kept Peter as his "prisoner" to save him from Ego's clutches, and the character is given a redemption in his final moments. Eventually the Ravengers reunite for Yondu's funeral, including his old leader Stakar. And now it looks like Sylvester Stallone wasn't going to be the only big cameo in this moment, as David Bowie likely would have been one of the many strange creatures that helped to memorialize Yondu.
David Bowie had an interesting life as an actor, both on screen and on the stage. He was perhaps best known for his role in Jim Henson's Labyrinth, playing Jareth the Goblin King. He also had a notable role in the Twin Peaks prequel film Fire Walk With Me, playing FBI agent Phillip Jeffries. And with Twin Peaks currently returning to TV on Showtime, it is possible that he might have returned to the role, if he were still with us. Jeffries' fate was left ambiguous at the end of the film, and it would have been awesome to see him return to the canon.
While it would have been great to see David Bowie as a member of Yondu's crew in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the film wasn't without its celebrity cameos. Seth Green once again voiced Howard the Duck, Ving Rhames, Michelle Yeoh, and even Miley Cyrus has small roles in the acclaimed sequel. But everything is better with Bowie.
The next installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is Thor: Ragnarok on November 3, 2017. In the meantime, check out our 2017 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
