One of Marvel Studios’ most successful blockbusters to date has been this summer’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Not only was the film the highest-grossing domestic release of the year (so far), it was well-received by critics and fans alike — even by some of Marvel’s own Avengers. Before Guardians of the Galaxy was even released in theaters, Marvel confirmed the movie would receive a sequel — due out in 2017 — which generated even more excitement for future films starring the troupe of misfit heroes.

But for those who can’t wait until 2017 for another Guardians of the Galaxy property to hit their screens, Marvel’s Head of Television, Jeph Loeb announced at New York Comic-Con that the Guardians will be starring in their own animated series, due to premiere on Disney XD in 2015.


As reported by ComingSoon.net Loeb and Disney XD’s Senior Vice President of Programming and General Manager Marc Buhaj announced Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy will follow the adventures of Peter Quill, a.k.a. Star-Lord, who teams up with Rocket Raccoon, Groot, Gamora and Drax the Destroyer to protect the universe from its greatest threats. Loeb will executive produce the series with an award-winning team from Marvel Animation; the series will be the first of its kind based on this particular set of Marvel superheroes.

Some early test footage (above) from Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy released at NYCC primarily features Rocket Raccoon evading what seems to be an attack drone — as well as an appearance by Star-Lord. Additionally, Marvel and Disney XD released a poster for the series that closely resembles posters for its blockbuster counterpart:

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Guardians of the Galaxy Animated Series Full Poster 570x880 First Trailer For Guardians of the Galaxy Animated Series
‘Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy’

Although Guardians of the Galaxy was one of Marvel’s lesser known comic properties before the film premiered, it has proven to be incredibly popular among moviegoers of all ages. Since there has never been an animated series based on the heroes it seems like a no-brainer to create one in light of the blockbuster success seen this summer.

The animated series will open up the franchise to a larger viewership (as well as more merchandizing potential) by appealing to the younger demographic, but may not necessarily alienate older viewers — at least, based on the edgy tone of the animation in the test footage. Many of Marvel Animation’s other series — Marvel’s Avengers Assemble and Marvel’s Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. — can be similarly entertaining for audiences young and old.

Though it may seem like an obvious ploy to bring in more viewers and, subsequently, more money for a Guardians of the Galaxy sequel, it’s an undeniably smart move on Marvel’s part. The animated series will keep the heroes working and the fans entertained until Guardians of the Galaxy 2 hits theaters two years later. Will you be watching?

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy will premiere on Disney XD sometime in 2015. Guardians of the Galaxy 2 is scheduled to premiere July 28th, 2017.