'Guardians of the Galaxy' Casts Benicio del Toro and a Beloved 'Doctor Who' Star

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With cast members like Chris Pratt, John C. Reilly, and the rumored Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler, die hard comic book fans might be wondering if the developing Guardians of the Galaxy film adaptation is skewing a bit too lighthearted. But intensity brews! Deadline reports that the latest dramatist to join production is Benicio del Toro... meaning that this film won't exactly be all smiles but feature a good deal of daunting severity. No word yet on what role del Toro is expected to play, but his reported agreement with Marvel Studios has him optioned for future films, suggesting that it's got to be a pretty substantial character. But as Guardians thickens its thespian caliber with del Toro, it also ups the ante on geekiness: Doctor Who favorite Karen Gillan is also joining the cast, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

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Fans of the long-running sci-fi series will be pleased to see Gillan pioneer a big screen career with Guardians, which will offer the actress her first major film role. Details on the character are slim, except for the fact that she will be the movie's central female villain — in other words, probably a pretty meaty (and fun) role.
With Zoe Saldana and Glenn Close also set for the Marvel film, Guardians is mounting a cast that promises victory in every realm: it's got the factors of comedy and adventure down pat and has just bolstered its bragging rights for the awards circuit and the nerd kingdom. The Guardians' future is bright.