Nathan Fillion's Joins the Marvel Universe

Did you feel that? That slight frisson, that slight shaking of the Earth as if something prophesied has come to be? That's because it has: Nathan Fillion has joined the Marvel universe. It is a moment long foretold in the realm of geekdom.

Fillion, current star of Castle but perhaps still most beloved for playing Capt. Malcolm Reynolds in the short-lived Firefly, will have a small part in the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy. With the announcement it's confirmed that, yes, Fillion is a huge tease — albeit not a hugely subtle one — given what he said about the role at Saint Louis Comic-Con a few months back:

Wanting to get a part [in Guardians of the Galaxy]? Or maybe did? I’m just saying… maybe? Maybe you’ll be surprised? Maybe check the credits of the movie when you watch it.

And now it's official: Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn tweeted Saturday that Fillion "has a very small fun cameo he did as a favor to me." Fillion's worked with Gunn before, after all, in 2006's Slither and in 2010's Super. Gunn also confirmed that Fillion will not be playing superhero Nova/Richard Rider in the film. You win some, you lose some. But at least this time we still win a Nathan Fillion?

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