15 Behind-The-Scenes Pics From Guardians Of The Galaxy That Change Everything
Guardians of the Galaxy is a franchise that has taken the Marvel Cinematic Universe by storm. This space-opera inspired movie series has captured the hearts of millions, with its action-packed sequences, stunning visuals, and unforgettable characters. However, what many fans may not realize is that there's more to this blockbuster hit than meets the eye. A lot goes on behind the scenes that often goes unnoticed, from intricate costume designs to complex set pieces.
So we decided to take a closer look at Guardians of the Galaxy, exploring 16 behind-the-scenes pictures that give us an exclusive peek into the making of the movies. These pictures reveal the incredible amount of work that goes into bringing this intergalactic adventure to life, from the creation of animatronic creatures to the meticulous attention to detail in each scene. We'll also delve into some of the fascinating stories behind these behind-the-scenes moments, and how they changed our perceptions of the films. Let's scroll down and check them out now!
#1. Nebula’s Water Break
Source: pics
Karen Gillian's on-screen Nebula is a formidable character in her own right, a highly trained cybernetic assassin and Ronan the Accuser's right-hand lady.
While her adopted sister, Gamora, is considered the most deadly woman in the galaxy, Nebula is known as the "Biggest Sadist in the Galaxy" - and harbors a deep hatred for never having been Gamora's combative "equal."
#2. Blue Stuntmen
Source: jamesgunn / Instagram
On set, Michael Rooker isn't the only one dressed in blue "skin" - James Gunn has his own tiny army of blue-suited crew members assisting with the film's CGI-laden stunts.
For those unfamiliar with the techniques of blue or green-screen chroma-key technology, on-set assistants can be made to wear a blue or green bodysuit (depending on the color of the backdrop), allowing them to do some movie magic that can later be manipulated in post-production.
#3. Drax and Yondu Playing Ping-Pong
Source: marvelstudios
Drax the Destroyer and Yondu Udonta weren't the closest of friends in the Guardians of the Galaxy films, but it was wonderful to see the two competing in ping-pong for one of the sequel's video promos.
The real video for this small behind-the-scenes battle only lasted a few seconds in the marketing clip. We're curious about who won.
#4. Yondu’s Makeup In Progress
Source: youtube
The physical features that make Yondu Udonta, played by Michael Rooker, stand out the most are his orange metal fin that is protruding from his head and his Crayola-blue skin.
This "fin" enables Yondu to handle his Yaka arrow, which is unquestionably one of the MCU's scariest weapons. The moment you hear the man whistle loudly, he has very much sealed your doom.
#5. Star-Lord And The Blue Screen
Source: marvelstudios
Have you ever wondered the gravity-defying stunts performed by the characters in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies? Harnesses—many of them—along with a blue screen are the solution to that.
Chris Pratt is pictured in his full Star-Lord garb hanging on a few harnesses in an Instagram post by director James Gunn, ready to shoot what could possibly be one of the movie's battle scenes.
#6. Double The Pratt
Source: prattprattpratt / Instagram
While Chris Pratt undoubtedly does a fantastic job portraying the sarcastic, intergalactic hoodlum Star-Lord on screen, Tony McFarr, Chris Pratt's great stunt double, deserves praise for handling some of the more frantic action scenes on set.
The two had previously collaborated while the actor was working on Passengers, a sci-fi romance film starring the wonderful Jennifer Lawrence, as well as the eagerly anticipated 2015 nostalgia extravaganza, Jurassic World.
#7. Behind-The-Scenes Brahl
Source: Pinterest
When Brahl first appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2, he was a Yondu Ravager Clan member having fun with his friends in a nearby brothel on the planet Contraxia.
He is subsequently seen turning away from Yondu, furious that their leader had decided to save Rocket's life after the Golden High Priestess had given them the assignment to eliminate the Guardians in exchange for a huge monetary prize.
#8. Nebula's Face
Source: karengillan
Since real blue-skinned, bone-raised, cybernetic humans from outer space are difficult to find, the Guardians FX makeup crew spent hours upon hours dressing the movie's stars in a variety of facial prosthetics, plastic molds, and strangely colored cosmetics products.
Seeing this Instagram photo of Karen Gillian's "Nebula" face at the conclusion of a typical day on set is both an odd and intriguing behind-the-scenes peek because it's very easy to forget how thick these layers of makeup can grow.
#9. Evil Backstage Laughs
Source: Pinterest
We don't know precisely what the Guardians of the Galaxy villains were laughing about with James Gunn, but we can guess that it was definitely something bad.
It's no secret that the Guardians films are among the best Marvel cinematic works to date. They also enjoyed an unexpected level of success, given that many had predicted the adaptation would be a commercial failure.
#10. Meet The Doubles
Source: kinorium
Gotta give credit to the daring individuals that pulled off the gravity-defying tricks, superhero landings, and furious action sequences in the Guardians movies; without them, we wouldn't have such an epic superhero film.
After the premiere of the first Guardians of the Galaxy, Chloe Bruce, who played Zoe Saldana's stunt double Gamora, shared a series of images of the cast's stunt team on Twitter, including those responsible for the antics of Drax the Destroyer, Star-Lord, Nebula, and Ronan the Accuser.
#11. Drax and The Real Rocket Raccoon
Source: thejudgegunn
Someone had to perform as a green-suited human stand-in for Rocket during the actual filming in order for a quick, witty, rocket-wielding CGI raccoon to be generated appropriately in post-production.
Sean Gunn, the younger brother of the director James Gunn and the great actor behind the role of Kraglin, is also a skilled motion reference actor.
#12. Ravager Besties
Source: Pinterest
Michael Rooker shared this behind-the-scenes Instagram photo of himself and Steve Agee enjoying some quality time together while filming the second Guardians movie.
In Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2, Steve Agee portrayed Gef, a former ally of the Yondu Ravager Clan.
#13. Zoe Saldana's Stunts
Source: Pinterest
While the more dangerous stunts in the film were expertly handled by trained stunt actors for the Guardians cast, every now and then the actual actors preferred to try the shenanigans themselves.
Unsurprisingly, Zoe Saldana admitted in an interview with MTV that she wants to be closely involved in the "stunt-doing" of her role.
#14. Gamora's Makeup
Source: people
It takes a lot of work to get ready to look like a menacing, green alien from space.
David White, the Guardians FX makeup artist, provided detailed explanations of every step that went into developing Gamora's appearance, from the development of her facial features to the finishing touches on her eyes, in an interview with Allure.
#15. Pre-CGI Filming
Source: Pinterest
Post-production is really magical. Seeing the actors record this infamous Guardians of the Galaxy scene without the disguise of their anthropomorphic creature counterparts, in this priceless behind-the-scenes photo, really does give us an understanding of the enormous capability of CGI nowadays.
This unedited image shows Sean Gunn, the younger brother of filmmaker James Gunn, in lieu of Rocket Raccoon and a pretty tall actor dressed from head to toe in a blue chroma-key bodysuit with a mold of Groot's head perched atop his own.
Do you love the franchise? Tell me more about your favorite characters in the comments!