Fans waiting for the next installment in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise just got a small taste of what to expect. A group portrait of the cast in the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was revealed this week. The concept art features the whole Guardians crew returning for another adventure, along with some changes and new additions.
Star-Lord, Drax the Destroyer, Yondu, Rocket Raccoon, Nebula, and Gamora are depicted front and center with a tiny baby Groot standing on Drax’s shoulder. In the background, a new alien character, Mantis, is shown sprouting wispy antennae from her forehead.
Pom Klementieff, best known for her role in Spike Lee’s Oldboy, is new to the film franchise. Her character Mantis is described by executive producer Jonathan Schwartz as an individual lacking social skills and experience with social interaction, according to Entertainment Weekly.
One can only imagine the level of social ability she will pick up from the gang, and the resulting comedy should be fun to watch. Schwartz hinted that Mantis may not be the only new character in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2., and said that fans will have to get reacquainted with a younger, more rambunctious Groot.
Kurt Russell joins the cast of Guardians for their new chapter, and the film’s stars took to Twitter to share their admiration of the veteran actor. James Gunn called Russell “a true talent and pleasure in every way.” Chris Pratt kept his comments simple by just stating that, “Kurt Russell is the f***ing best.” It appears that there was a strong chemistry between the cast and Russell while filming.
The next chapter of the Guardians saga is scheduled for release on May 5, 2017. The cast is scheduled to attend San Diego’s Comic-Con, and Marvel plans to release the group portrait at the event. The cast will also appear on Conan O’Brien’s live coverage of the event in CONAN360 VR.
