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Star Trek

Marvel’s latest big screen blockbuster, The Guardians of the Galaxy, hits theaters this weekend. There’s one small problem: a lot of people have no clue who or what the Guardians of the Galaxy are. The characters have never been the most popular superheroes in Marvel’s roster. How small is their fan base? Well, when Marvel announced the film, many hardcore geeks had to turn to google to find out what a Rocket Raccoon was.

So what about the casual film-goer? I asked my mother last weekend if she was going to see the film and she replied:

Oh, is that that one with the four people who think they’re hot stuff? Yeah, you got the Rock Man and then there’s a Raccoon Creature. And the girl—she’s a—she’s tough. And the guy who thinks he’s Peter Pan. I know what you’re talking about.

Um, excuse me, but there are five Guardians of the Galaxy. They don’t think they’re hot stuff; they are hot stuff. Oh, and he’s not Peter Pan! He’s Peter Quill! Gosh, Mom.

Anyway, in case you’re still confused, here’s a handy primer on who the Guardians of the Galaxy are on and off screen.

Peter Jason Quill, aka Star-Lord

Peter Quill is a human man who was abducted from Missouri as a kid and raised by the Ravagers. He’s kind of a lovable rogue, far from home and happy to break the law.

…and he is played by Chris Pratt

Chris Pratt is a human man. Pratt started his acting career on the small screen in shows like Everwood and Parks and Recreation. He’s also appeared in the critically acclaimed films Moneyball, Her and Zero Dark Thirty and will soon star in Jurassic World. He is currently very hot.

Find out where to see Chris Pratt in Zero Dark Thirty on GoWatchIt.

Gamora

Gamora is the last surviving member of an alien race. She was raised by Thanos, the bad guy shown at the end of the Avengers, and trained to be an assassin.

…and she is played by Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana is a human woman. Saldana has acted in many films including Center Stage, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Avatar. She might be best known to audiences for playing Uhura in the J.J. Abrams Star Trek movies.

Find out where to see Zoe Saldana in Star Trek on GoWatchIt.

Drax the Destroyer

In the comics, Drax the Destroyer was a human man whose family was killed by Thanos. Another super being put his soul into a powerful new body, which is a completely normal thing to do. However, in the film, he’s a warrior whose family was killed by Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace). He is consumed by his thirst for vengeance.

…and he is played by Dave Bautista

Dave Bautista is a human man. Bautista rose to fame as a professional wrestler under the name “Batista.” He’s since made the leap to film acting and has appeared in The Man With The Iron Fists and Riddick.

Find out where to see Dave Bautista in Riddick on GoWatchIt.

Rocket Raccoon

Rocket is a raccoon. He was genetically engineered by scientists and so he can talk. He also is a bounty hunter and he likes to shoot things. He is friends with Groot.

…and he is voiced by Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper is a human man. He’s appeared in Alias, Wedding Crashers, The Hangover trilogy and he received Oscar nominations for his work in Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle.

Find out where to see Bradley Cooper in The Hangover on GoWatchIt.