The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a franchise consisting of film and television adaptations of Marvel Comics publications produced by Marvel Studios. The franchise is notable for being the first superhero film franchise to have characters and plot points from different titles crossover.
Peter Quill is Star Lord1, created in the comics in Steve Englehart and Steve Gan in 1976. He is the leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy in James Gunn's film, although he was only recently added to that team in the comics.
1. Who?2
2. You know, the legendary outlaw? C'mon, man...