Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 Casts Borat 2's Maria Bakalova In A Wonderfully Bizarre Role

gamespot.com:

She turned heads when she starred as the titular character's daughter in Borat 2 and now Maria Bakalova is ready to play another eyebrow-raising role. It was confirmed by Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 director James Gunn at Comic-Con that the actress will play none other than Cosmo the Space Dog. Yes, we're very serious.

While previewing the movie during the Marvel Studios panel in Hall H, Bakalova joined the cast and gave some insight into her take on the astronaut dog. «I couldn't be more honored to join the MCU,» she said. «I feel like I'm doing something meaningful and hopeful and I hope you love Cosmo because she's gonna bring lots of laughs and love and a bit of strength.»

It was also noted that the actress isn't just voicing the dog but did all of the motion capture work for Cosmo, as well. However, this won't be the pup's first appearance in the MCU. In fact, we first saw Cosmo in the first Guardians of the Galaxy, as she was part of the Collector's collection. She popped up again in the credits of Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 and even figured into an episode of the Disney+ animated series What If…?.

Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3 will be part of Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has now been dubbed a piece of the ongoing Multiverse Saga, which includes Phases 4, 5, and 6. While Gunn has said this is the last Guardians movie he's signed on for, it remains to be seen if any of the cast will stick around long enough to appear in the two upcoming Avengers movies due out in 2025.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is due in theaters on May 5, 2023.