Guardians of the Galaxy due to land at Shepperton

Screen understands that Shepperton Studios of the Pinewood Group is preparing to receive Marvel’s next blockbuster-in-waiting Guardians of the Galaxy.

While cast on the potential goldmine franchise - about a futuristic team of superheroes who protect the galaxy from danger - has yet to be confirmed, Screen understands that the action-sci-fi is scheduled to shoot at the studios over the summer.

Super and Slither director James Gunn, writer of the Scooby Doo features, will direct Nicole Perlman and Chris McCoy’s screenplay derived from the Marvel comics series, which first appeared in the 1960s and reappeared in 2008.

Guardians was one of the most buzzed about properties at Comic-Con this year, where Marvel unveiled the film with concept art portraying some of its characters including Drax the Destroyer, Groot, Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon and Gamora.

In the comics, the Guardians worked with fellow superhero team the Avengers, which gives Marvel scope to use its record-breaking mega-hit to help launch its next potential smash. Last year, The Avengers became the third biggest film of all time behind Avatar and Titanic.

The expanding Pinewood-Shepperton has been one of the key beneficiaries of the UK’s attractive tax incentives, with a surge in demand from major US productions. Recent major productions to shoot at the studios include Maleficent, Jack Ryan and Thor 2 while The Muppets sequel is due to get underway soon. Screen understands that Disney’s live-action version of Cinderella is also slated to shoot at the studios.

The Pinewood Group declined to comment.