Guardians of the Galaxy concept art by Marvel Studios Director of Visual Development Andy Park reveals unused designs featuring the Sakaarans.
New concept art from Guardians of the Galaxy shows unused designs for aliens, including the Sakaarans. Guardians released in 2014 and kicked off a new era of Marvel entertainment. Director James Gunn took an "anything goes" approach to the comics, sending the MCU into wacky new territory. As a result, Guardians of the Galaxy paved the way for movies like Thor: Ragnarok and Doctor Strange. It was considered a big win for Gunn, who went on to direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Despite being fired from the upcoming sequel Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Gunn will return to the franchise. Originally let go for offensive tweets, Marvel hired Gunn back last year.
Alien creatures are a big part of the first movie, as the present-day story takes place in space. Guardians introduced fans to many alien species, including the Sakaarans. They also play a large role in Thor: Ragnarok, as Sakaar is the planet Thor and Hulk are trapped on by the Grandmaster. The Sakaarans typically interact with the Guardians and other Avengers as henchmen for larger threats. They've worked for Thanos and Ronan the Accuser, oftentimes alongside the Kree.