Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy will soon leap out from print and into the big screen.

It was in 1969 when Marvel first came out with the story of a team of superheroes in an alternate universe. A reboot of the comic series in 2008 introduced a modern version of the team, which is based in the mainstream Marvel Universe. The film will be based on the 2008 team.

The main hero and head honcho of Guardians of the Galaxy is Peter Quill (superhero name: Star-Lord), who was taken from Earth when he was 9 years old and was raised in space ever since. He captains the spacecraft Milano, and has in his possession a mysterious orb, which turns out to be a powerful artifact that can blow up the galaxy into smithereens.

The other members of the team include Drax the Destroyer (unassuming human name: Arthur Douglas), who very much does what his name implies; aliens Groot and Rocket Raccoon, the indomitable tag team you’d want to have on your side at all times; and Gamora, who has “connections” to galactic bad boy Thanos.

Director James Gunn says the film will not only be about the things sci-fi geeks will find worthwhile, but will also have some elements of romance, drama, and humor thrown in. After all, even Guardians of the Galaxy have emotions and complex relationships. Quill, who did retain some of the 1980s culture within him, is definitely someone to watch.

Chris Pratt, who plays the lead role, says that Quill’s background makes for an odd mix of “youthful vibrancy and cluelessness in a childlike man.” He adds, “But he is willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good.”

A 20-second trailer was released on Wednesday, showing four of the film’s characters: Groot, voiced by Vin Diesel; Peter Quill, played by Chris Pratt; Korath, acted out by Djimon Hounsou; and Gamora, played by Zoe Saldana. Also starring are Glenn Close, Benicio Del Toro, Bradley Cooper, and Dave Bautista.

Guardians of the Galaxy, the tenth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will join the ranks of the Avengers and Iron Man films, and premieres August 1.

Image via YouTube