The stars of the film are coming into their own as well. When announced, for some critics, the cast list looked somewhat lacking with just Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel as the standout faces and even they were cast only as a talking raccoon and a tree that can say one line.

Guardians of the Galaxy                                                                                                     Chris Pratt takes the lead in Guardians of the Galaxy

Even female star Zoe Saldana has admitted to being slightly mystified at the choice of lead star in Chris Pratt. She told Vanity Fair: "I just thought really? ... But then I get to know him and, within 20 minutes, I just knew, oh my god, he’s perfect for the part."

MORE: First Image Of Chris Pratt In Jurassic World

Pratt is enjoying a recent surge in popularity and, in addition to his role in the seventh (and final) season of Parks and Recreation, has replaced Josh Brolin in Jurassic World, due out in 2015.

So, with the perfect script, lots of action, excellent stars, stand-out reviews and unsurpassed box office figures - what more does Guardians of the Galaxy have to do to cement itself as the first of a new Marvel super franchise?

Nothing, except, perhaps, confirm rumours of a crossover film between Guardians and Avengers;  rumours that have been pedalling in the background for some time. Vin Diesel recently reignited the flame by telling Yahoo! Movies: "Marvel will have a lot of options after this movie and one of those options will be integrating teams."

That we cannot wait to see.