It looks like Marvel has another hit on its hands.
Disney premiered 17 minutes of unseen footage from its next film, "Guardians of the Galaxy," in theaters across the U.S. Monday evening.
We won't give any spoilers, but we watched an action-heavy prison sequence followed by an extended trailer for the James Gunn-directed movie that didn't disappoint.
Unlike previous Marvel movies, "Guardians of the Galaxy" will follow a new roster of characters — Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper), and tree creature Groot (Vin Diesel) — who come in contact with one of the powerful Infinity gemstones that has been teased throughout Disney's Marvel cinematic universe.
Before the screening began, fans were asked to share their thoughts on the footage afterward using the hashtag #GuardiansoftheGalaxy.
Fans loved it.
Is it August 1st yet? #GuardiansOfTheGalaxy IMAX 3D sneak was spectacular! Yay #Marvel
— deewani (@deewani) July 8, 2014First look of #GuardiansOfTheGalaxy was fantastic!! I definitely recommend everyone to watch it in Imax 3D!
— Alyx Stone (@alyxstone) July 8, 2014@JamesGunn What an incredibly awesome, wild, & kick-ass 17mins. My only gripe is that it was just 17mins. Can't wait! #GuardiansOfTheGalaxy
— Mike Donovan Lacy (@MikeDLacy) July 8, 2014Saw 17 mins of #GuardiansOfTheGalaxy. Vin Diesel as Groot is definitely going to steal the show.
— Brian Mills (@BriMills) July 8, 2014The 17-min #GuardiansOfTheGalaxy preview did not disappoint. @Marvel knows what's up: heavy focus on Rocket. This movie is gonna rock.
— Jamie Greene (@theroarbots) July 8, 2014Sneak peak of @Guardians was amazing. If you're not in theaters August 1st you'll miss greatness #IamGroot#GuardiansoftheGalaxy
— Lil Furry Monster (@lilfurymonster) July 8, 2014What a tease!!! The first look at #GuardiansofTheGalaxy was AMAZING. I could not stop laughing. Rocket and Groot are everything. #iamgroot
— Morgan Hoffman (@morganhoffman) July 8, 2014We got 2 see 17 mins of #GuardiansOfTheGalaxy& it was AWESOME! Even better then all the trailers I have seen! Can't wait 2 see all of it!
— Magie Tagie (@Magietagie) July 8, 2014From the small teaser, it's already clear Rocket Raccoon and Groot should be fan favorites.
The chemistry between the quirky characters works and the entire scene we saw was a lot of fun. Focusing the film on an entire ensemble gives "Guardians of the Galaxy" an almost Avengers-like appeal that feels bigger in some ways than the singular "Iron Man,""Captain America," and "Thor," movies.
Minor details about the film follow.
A few non-Disney friendly moments may not make the film's final cut. Chris Pratt's middle finger, which was extensively blurred in trailers, was front and center for viewing. At another point, Pratt's character calls someone a bastard.
There is also one gimmick that could work in the film's favor or against it depending on usage.
Diesel's tree-like character can only utter one sentence — "I am Groot." Cleverly placed, the catchphrase will work. One too many deliveries and it could become old real fast.
However, we trust Gunn knows to use it both smartly and sparingly.
Our audience loved it every time it was said.
Marvel has since released part of the extended footage shown at the screening.
Check it out below.
"Guardians of the Galaxy" is in theaters August 1.
