7. For The Purposes Of Expansion
Marvel ComicsMarvel obviously have a plan in place when it comes to expanding the Marvel Cinematic Universe (apparently it currently reaches out to the year 2028) - and that obviously involves expanding in to the cosmos. There are, however, a number of more well known and less "quirky" space-based characters who they could have started with and who would have been less of a risk than this band of misfits - so starting the cosmic expansion with the Guardians of the Galaxy could be a bad move in that regard. For example, nobody will care about potential Nova, Quasar or, in particular, Rocket Raccoon solo movies - or indeed a Guardians of the Galaxy sequel - if this fails, as they will associate Marvel space movies with a failed previous effort. In order to validate the potential production of movies like the aforementioned Nova or Quasar et al, this movie has to be a success.