James Gunn did a Facebook live Q&A on Wednesday, gamely answering questions about his influences, offering snippets of advice for aspiring screenwriters, and evading some queries about what’s in store for Peter Quill & Co. in Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2. Naturally, much interest was centered on fan favorite Rocket Raccoon: Gunn talked about his brother Sean acting out the part on set, and also revealed that Danny DeVito had auditioned for the voice role that ultimately went to Bradley Cooper. (Well, at least he’ll always have The Trashman).
So why didn’t we get the Frank Reynolds take on the wisecracking space bandit? According to Gunn, Rocket is an anthropomorphic raccoon in his 20s, whereas DeVito is “an older man now and Rocket is not an older man, he’s a younger man. And Danny DeVito’s voice just wouldn’t work.” We suppose DeVito’s voiceover work does have a grumpier inflection than Cooper’s. DeVito isn’t the only It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia cast member who was considered for a role in Guardians Of The Galaxy; Glenn Howerton was once on Gunn’s short list to play Star-Lord.
Gunn also mentioned that the DC Comics properties he’d adapt are Shazam (a.k.a. Captain Marvel) and The Metal Men, which is something that DC-affiliated movie studios—at least, those that are interested in making non-grim superhero flicks—should keep in mind.
[h/t Digital Spy]