Earlier this year, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 made its way into theaters, but its final cut lacked a much-anticipated cameo. The film may have housed dozens of easter eggs, but it was forced to cut a series of cameos Nathan Fillion prepared. The actor’s bit was snipped for time, but fans have since learned Fillion was meant to portray a famous character from the Marvel Universe. And, now, the star is saying he’s still game to bring Wonder Man to life – for real, this time.
Fillion recently spoke about his cut cameo in the Guardians sequel with The Ara Show on KISS FM. It was there the actor confessed he’s interested in how his bit could actually be an opportunity for him moving forward.
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“If you know the Marvel Universe, Simon Williams becomes Wonder Man, becomes an Avenger. So, he’s part of that universe. It was a neat little Easter egg, it was a neat little piece of the universe,” Fillion explained.
“It didn’t get into the movie. That’s fine. That happens all the time. I still had the same wonderful experience. But moving forward, I don’t know, let me see what we can do with this opportunity. That’s just a cleverly disguised opportunity. Am I right?”
To date, Fillion has never properly suited up as Wonder Woman or even acted scenes as Simon Williams. His bit in the Guardians sequel just saw the actor dress up as Williams. The cameo was contained in a slew of film posters which saw Fillion bring Williams and his acting persona to life for a film festival. However, the posters never got their spotlight in the Guardians feature – a fact which Gunn still bemoans.
“I really do love the character of Simon Williams/Wonder Man in the comics – a sometimes douchey actor/superhero – and could see Nathan clearly in that role (not because he’s a douchebag but because he’s great at playing one). But, of course, in a movie set 99.9% in space I didn’t really have a place for him. So in a small flash to earth I decided to put a theater playing a ‘Simon Williams Film Festival,’ with six Simon Williams movie posters outside. Obviously, from the posters, he’s had a run of B movies,” Gunn wrote to fans shortly after the Guardians sequel debuted.
“Unfortunately, the small section of the scene where they appeared slowed down the movie and I had to cut the Easter eggs from the film (along with storefronts named after comic book luminaries Starlin, Mantlos, Annett and others).”
Still, when it comes to the MCU, Gunn says Fillion can count his Wonder Man credit as canon. “Yes, I think we can consider them canon for the MCU, and I hold onto hope that Simon Williams will rise again!!” the director stressed.
As one of the Avengers’ most notable members, Wonder Man has room to grow in the MCU should the franchise wish to plant such a hero. Fillion is a beloved geek icon, and his interest in comic book affairs is well-documented. If Marvel Studios is game, it sounds like Fillion would be more than happy to suit up as the ionic superhero, and fans wouldn’t be sad to see such a casting happen.
MORE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: Awesome Mix Vol. 2 Getting Vinyl And Cassette Release / Beast Kingdom Shows Off Their Exclusive Star-Lord Figure / New Concept Art Reveals Alternate Ego Design / James Gunn Reveals His Growing Responsibility Within The MCU
Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is in theaters now. Spider-Man: Homecoming lands on July 7, 2017, followed by Thor: Ragnarok on November 3, 2017. After that Black Panther debuts on February 16, 2018, while Avengers: Infinity War hits theaters on May 4, 2018. Ant-Man and the Wasp is slated for July 6, 2018, followed by Captain Marvel on March 8, 2019.
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