The MCU is generally regarded as a well-oiled machine that always delivers blockbuster. But the franchise’s non-stop success cannot be taken for granted, considering how many of their offerings are so bizarre or obscure that any producer would think twice before greenlighting them. Case in point, the originalGuardians of the Galaxy. Actress Amanda Seyfried revealed that she had been offered the role of Gamora in the film, but the premise of the story was too bizarre for her liking.
“I didn’t want to be part of the firstMarvelmovie that bombed. I said, ‘Who wants to see a movie about a talking tree and a raccoon?’ Which is clearly - I was very wrong. The script was great, it was all based on not wanting to be ‘that guy’. Because if you’re the star of a giant movie like that, and it bombs, Hollywood does not forgive you. I’ve seen that happen to people and it was a giant, giant fear. I thought, is it worth it?”
The concerns coming fromAmanda Seyfriedseem quite valid when considered on their own merit, without the benefit of hindsight. It is a testament to the work done by filmmaker James Gunn on the firstGuardians of the Galaxymovie that the characters of the talking tree Groot, and Rocket Raccoon, far from preventing audiences from taking the film seriously, ended up becoming fan favorites.
While Groot was responsible for the most touching scene in the movie, when he sacrificed his life to save the rest of the Guardians, Rocket proved so popular with viewers that he was given a prominent role in bothAvengers: Infinity WarandEndgame.
Seyfried’s decision to giveGuardians of the Galaxya miss might have been a blessing for the franchise. The role ofGamora was taken on by Zoe Saldanainstead, who brought a unique mix of menace and vulnerability to the role. Saldana’s Gamora was so compelling that her arc with her father Thanos became the centerpiece ofInfinity War.
AlthoughGamora diedin that movie,Endgamesaw a Gamora from the past entering the present timeline, and going on the run. The upcoming third installment ofGuardians of the Galaxywill see the rest of Gamora’s team tracking her down across the universe with the help of Thor. Gunn will once again be taking on the role of director, in what the filmmaker has hinted will be his final movie within the MCU.
While Seyfried’s decision to pass on the role of Gamora does not in hindsight make sense, the actress has nevertheless managed to do quite well for herself. Her latest role as Marion Davies in David Fincher’s Netflix movieMankhas already started generating Oscar buzz. Seyfried continues to be a talent to watch out for in Hollywood, and fans may yet see her take on a role in the MCU, possibly as Susan Storm of theFantastic Four, or Jean Grey from theX-Men. This news comes fromTHR’s Awards Chatter podcast.
