The Avengers was a huge deal back in 2012 when it enthralled audiences with an ensemble that crossed over six established superheroes; so extraordinary that no one thought the MCU's characters could get any bigger––then came Guardians of the Galaxy. This fringe group of ethically questionably misfits took the stage in 2014, and under the guidance of director James Gunn they became one of the biggest teams in Hollywood.
The film was led by Chris Pratt's Star-Lord, Zoe Saldana's Gamora, Dave Bautista's Drax, Bradley Cooper's Rocket, and Vin Diesel's Groot––faces everyone has come to know and love. They went on to become part of one of the biggest blockbusters ever: Avengers Endgame, with Rocket even serving as a bonified Avenger for five years in the MCU.
With the Multiverse having recently gone into play, it's hard not to wonder how things could have been different. Like, what if Adam Sandler was Rocket Racoon?
Apparently, there may never have been a timeline where something like that was possible, according to James Gunn.
Was Adam Sandler Up for a Marvel Role?
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. director James Gunn took to Twitter to shoot down a false tidbit spreading around.
On Movies Now's Twitter, the account sent out a tweet that claimed Adam Sandler lost out on both of his auditions for Rocket Raccoon and Groot for the original Guardians of the Galaxy film in 2014.
"Adam Sandler was in the race for voicing Rocket Raccoon in James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1
Director James Gunn ended up choosing Bradley Cooper for the role. And after losing the role to Cooper, Sandler also auditioned to play Groot but sadly was beaten by Vin Diesel."
Gunn responded to the claim point-blank, saying: "This is not true. I've never even met Adam Sandler."
Where did this false information originate? Before the original film had been cast, there were rumors that both Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler were being considered for roles within the project––Rocket and Groot being the two most thought were possible.
James Gunn, the Guardian of Truth
The Guardians director is always on the prowl looking for false information regarding his past, present, and future projects. It's something he's gained quite the reputation for.
In regards to the Adam Sandler denial, it's no surprise. Word about his potential former involvement with the franchise since the team has gone on has been non-existent. Many fans might also find it hard to see the actor in any role within the MCU––he hasn't been known for his quality performances as of late, after all.
When it comes to Jim Carrey, however, it's interesting to see his name come up again. While those rumors were back in 2013, new ones containing his name cropped up recently regarding the actor portraying MODOK in an upcoming Marvel outing.
There have since been contradicting whispers on that front, but with his name back in circulation, there's a renewed hope that Carrey could make his grand MCU debut. Sandler, on the other hand, may have to wait––fans have a different Adam they have to meet first.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 releases in theaters worldwide May 23, 2023.
