The cosmic misfits who have now saved the galaxy twice over and Earth’s mightiest heroes have yet to meet in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Through two Guardians of the Galaxy movies and equally many Avengers films (plus almost a dozen other standalone efforts), the characters have never come face to face.
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The characters have crossed paths countless times in Marvel Comics, especially since becoming cinematic icons. Still, the fans of the live-action takes on the characters are thirsty to see the characters assembled on the big screen.
This will all change with Avengers: Infinity War and its Untitled sequel (or possibly in Thor: Ragnarok) but the Marvel Cinematic Universe has already connected to Guardians films to the Avengers-centric films in a number of ways ahead of their big team up against Thanos.
While has been only one Guardians of the Galaxy themed tag at the end of any Earth (or even Asgard)-based films, no Avengers themed tags have come at the end of either Volume of the Guardians films, there have been moments and contents within each of the films which show just how small the Marvel Cinematic Universe actually is.
Spoilers for many of the films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe follow!
Kronans
A couple of the connections between Avengers characters and the Guardians of the Galaxy films will come from Thor movies.
The first is the Kronans, a cosmic species in the Marvel Cinematic Universe who are often referred to as rock monsters. The first introduction of a Kronan came in Thor: The Dark World, when a soldier among the Marauders approached Thor. The God of Thunder quickly dispatched the intimidating opponent.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 featured a pair of Kronans battling with one another during one of the jump sequences which saw characters transporting from one planet to another.
In Thor: Ragnarok, a Kronan will become a main character as the Planet Hulk character Korg will fight alongside Thor in the Sakaaran gladiator arena, played and voiced by director Taika Waititi.
The Collector
One of two characters to have interacted with characters featured in both Avengers-centric films and Guardians-centric films in the Collector. While Benicio del Toro’s Tanileer Tivaan has not met the likes of Thor, Iron Man, Captain America, or other Avengers, he has interacted with a few folks close to the God of Thunder.
In the post-credits scene of Thor: The Dark World, the last MCU film to release ahead of Guardians of the Galaxy, Lady Sif and Volstaag delivered an Infinity Stone to the Collector. The fate of that Stone is currently unknown as the Collector’s warehouse was destroyed in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Within his museum, the Collector had a number of creatures locked up which tied him to Avengers-centric films. From Thor: The Dark World, a dark elf was seen in holding, along with a Chitauri soldier which was featured in The Avengers.
Infinity Stones
The Infinity Stones will be the focus of Avengers: Infinity War. Thanos will seek the power offered by collecting each of the Stones and assembling them into his Infinity Gauntlet.
Several of the Stones have already been introduced to the Marvel Cinematic Universe across several films with their explanation finally coming in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy. In fact, 2012’s The Avengers was heavily focused on an Infinity Stone, as Loki’s scepter contained the Mind Stone, before the film’s Age of Ultron sequel introduced the Mind Stone and sent Thor on a journey which offered him understanding of their powers. The first Guardians introduced the Power Stone and Thor: The Dark World‘s villain thrived on the Reality Stone. Thanks to Doctor Strange, the Time Stone’s reveal means only the Soul Stone is yet to be introduced.
With the Stones being scattered throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s diverse roster of characters and their films, Infinity War will tie them all together in a nice little bow.
Celestials
Celestials were first introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy.
During the Collector’s explanation of the Infinity Stones, he offered the Guardians a look at Celestial beings for the first time, revealing just how powerful the god-like creatures are within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Then, the sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 introduced a Celestial and made him a core part of its story.
While Ego isn’t likely to appear in a future Marvel Cinematic Universe film, his Celestial family might have a presence.
Then, there’s the connection outside of Guardians of the Galaxy films which will first arrive in Thor: Ragnarok. The first trailer for the November film revealed someone standing in a Celestial costume while hanging out in the Grandmaster’s lounge at the Sakaaran gladiator arena.
The Other
The other character who has had the pleasure of interacting with characters in both the Guardians-centric films and Avengers-centric films: the Other (also known as Thanos’ messenger).
The Other first appeared in 2012’s The Avengers. The dark cosmic being served as a leader among the Chitauri and bridge between Thor’s brother Loki and Thanos. Two years later, the Other appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy, serving as the only character to appear in films featuring Avengers characters and Guardians characters besides Thanos.
Of course, the Other was killed off by Ronan the Accuser, so the only member of the Guardians to have interacted with him was Nebula, who is set to appear in Avengers: Infinity War.
More Marvel
After the massively successful Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2‘s box office opening, Marvel Studios’ next film is Spider-Man: Homecoming opening in theaters July 7. Thor: Ragnarok follows on November 3, then Black Panther on February 16, 2018.
All roads lead to the biggest superhero team up in MCU history when Avengers: Infinity War hits theaters May 4, 2018.
More Avengers: Infinity War News: Kevin Feige Elaborates On How All The Marvel Characters Fit Into Infinity War / Directors Drop Hint About A Special Filming Locale / Scotland Shoots To Add Iron Man & Nick Fury
Avengers: Infinity War is described by Marvel Studios as the culmination of everything in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since Iron Man in 2008. The movie is filming now under directors Anthony and Joe Russo, from a screenplay by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.
The expansive confirmed cast includes Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Holland, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bethany, Sebastian Stan, Benedict Cumberbatch, Benedict Wong, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Karen Gillan, Vin Diesel, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Pom Klementieff, and Josh Brolin as the villain Thanos. Avengers: Infinity War and its as-yet-untitled sequel are filming back-to-back for a May 4, 2018 and May 3, 2019 release, respectively.
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Image Credit: Marvel Studios, Marvel Comics
