Hey Marvel fans and cosmic adventurers! Ever wonder about those epic battles we almost saw in the MCU? Well guess what? There's some fresh buzz around a major Thanos scene that got cut from Avengers: Infinity War and it sounds like we might never get to see it. Plus James Gunn is talking about how the Guardians are shaping his DC universe. Let's dive into the latest galaxy-saving gossip.
The 45-Minute Thanos Scene We Missed: Will We Ever See the Mad Titan Decimate Xandar?
Remember Avengers: Infinity War? Thanos was on a mission to collect those Infinity Stones right? But here's a thing we never actually saw on screen: how he got the Power Stone from Xandar. Thor mentioned in Infinity War that Thanos "decimated Xandar" to get it but that was it. Turns out there was supposed to be way more to it.
Get this: Jim Starlin Thanos's creator revealed that the Russo brothers actually filmed a FORTY-FIVE minute sequence showing Thanos attacking Xandar and grabbing the Power Stone! Forty-five minutes! That is practically a short film by itself. Imagine seeing Thanos in full destructive mode taking down the Nova Corps and laying waste to Xandar. It sounds epic.
So why didn't we see it? Well it got cut from the final movie. And here is the sad part with the recent news that the Nova Disney+ series is on hold it seems like the perfect place to show that scene might be gone. A Nova show exploring the aftermath of Xandar's destruction and maybe even flashing back to Thanos's attack would have been incredible. Now? It's looking less likely we will ever see this major missing piece of Thanos's story.
Guardians' Groot and Nebula's Surprising DC Influence: James Gunn Reveals All
Speaking of James Gunn the guy who brought us the Guardians of the Galaxy movies he is now in charge of shaping the future of DC films . And guess what? His experience with the Guardians especially Groot and Nebula is playing a big role in his DC plans.
Gunn admitted that back when they were test-screening the first Guardians movie Groot wasn't exactly a fan favorite. Hard to believe right? But apparently early versions of Groot were just kind of a "grey stick" visually before the effects were finished. However once the movie came out people went crazy for Groot. He became super popular and Gunn totally took note.
That popularity influenced how Groot's character evolved in later Guardians movies. Baby Groot and Teen Groot became bigger parts of the story. Gunn learned that you have to pay attention when "lightning strikes" and give the audience what they love. But it is not just about fan service. Gunn also talked about Nebula. She was apparently the LEAST popular Guardian in early screenings. But Gunn loved her saw her potential and stuck with his vision for her arc.
By the time Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 rolled around Nebula had become a fan favorite maybe even in the top three most loved Guardians . Gunn's point? Sometimes you have to trust your gut as a creator even if initial reactions are mixed. You can't just chase popularity you also need to follow your own creative instincts. It is a balance and Gunn's Guardians experience taught him a lot about that balance which he is now bringing to the DCU.
DC's Harley Quinn Copies Groot's Emotional Death Arc (But With a Twist!)
It is not just Gunn's DC work getting Guardians inspiration. Believe it or not DC's animated Harley Quinn series on Max just pulled a move straight out of the Guardians playbook. Remember Groot's emotional "death" scene in the first Guardians movie where he sacrifices himself to save his friends? Well Harley Quinn just did their own version with Frank the Plant Harley and Ivy's plant buddy.
In Harley Quinn Season 5 Frank seemingly dies and it is a pretty traumatic moment for Harley and Ivy. But just like Groot (spoiler alert for Guardians 1!) Frank comes back as Baby Frank-ette. Yep a daughter plant. It is a direct parallel to Groot's death and rebirth arc with Baby Groot. In Harley Quinn though the circumstances are a bit darker and funnier in typical Harley Quinn style. Frank's death is not noble it is kind of random and Lena Luthor is involved in a villainous twist.
Still the emotional beats are there. Ivy is skeptical about Baby Frankette at first not wanting to accept Frank is gone. But eventually she embraces the new plant kid just like the Guardians embraced Baby Groot. It is a funny and slightly twisted homage to one of the MCU's most heartwarming storylines proving that even in the crazy world of DC animation Guardians of the Galaxy's influence can be felt.
Guardians of the Galaxy Universe: Key Takeaways and Future Possibilities
- Lost Thanos Scene: A 45-minute sequence of Thanos decimating Xandar for the Power Stone was filmed for Avengers: Infinity War but cut. Its release is now uncertain with Nova series paused.
- Groot's Popularity Surprise: Groot wasn't initially popular in test screenings for Guardians of the Galaxy but became a breakout character influencing future movies.
- Nebula's Character Arc: Nebula was initially unpopular but James Gunn's vision for her arc led her to become a fan favorite.
- DC's Groot Homage: Harley Quinn animated series mirrored Groot's death and rebirth arc with Frank the Plant creating a Baby Frankette.
- Thanos MCU Return Possible: Josh Brolin has hinted Thanos may return in future MCU projects like Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars despite Nova series pause.
- Gunn's DCU Influence: James Gunn's experiences with Groot and Nebula in Guardians are shaping his approach to character development and fan reactions in the new DC Universe.