Sure, we are all Groot — but when it comes to who’s on top in Marvel’s weirdest movie, there can be only one. Warning: Spoilers for Guardians of the Galaxy ahead!
Thanos
Performed by: Josh Brolin
Strengths: Super evil, has a nifty space throne, father to multiple resentful adopted, augmented daughters.
Weaknesses: Guardians of the Galaxy is blissfully free of most obligations toward laying groundwork for future Marvel installments, but Thanos really doesn't have much to do in the movie other than remind us that he'll eventually be coming down the pike as a Big Bad.
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Nova Prime Irani Rael
Played by: Glenn Close
Strengths: In charge of Xandar's Nova Corps, and played by Glenn goddamn Close. Also, she has quite the futuristic updo — what is even going on there?
Weaknesses: Only there to deliver typical (space) police chief lines.
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Korath the Pursuer
Played by: Djimon Hounsou
Strengths: Pursuing. Also has neat eyes and head implants, and gets to complete one of the movie's best ongoing jokes regarding Peter Quill's would-be outlaw name, Star-Lord.
Weaknesses: In the end, Korath is just one of Ronan's lackeys.
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Kraglin
Played by: Sean Gunn
Strengths: Director James Gunn's brother Sean was an offscreen MVP during Guardians of the Galaxy's filming, so it's only fitting that he get a small but memorable on-screen part as Yondu Udonta's first mate.
Weaknesses: It may be inspired by his boss's biomechanical head fin, but that hairstyle's just not flattering.
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