What is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 about?
They’re back! Everyone’s favourite rag-tag bunch of intergalactic outlaws return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe for another irreverent romp through space. After taking everyone by surprise in 2014, the team that included a tree, a raccoon and a green lady are back for more adventures. Expect something a little bad, something a little good, maybe a bit of both, with a killer soundtrack to boot.
As with the release of the first film, plot details are shrouded in murk. However, a few clues have been released about what themes will prevail and where the characters are headed. We know, for instance, that the sequel will be more sci-fi heavy and that issues of family and belonging will be explored. "The first movie was really about becoming a family," says Gunn. "This movie is about being a family. And what's harder, becoming a family or being a family?" Expect comedy aplenty and an emotional ending. As with most Marvel movies, Gunn has also confirmed that there will be another post-credits scene, so be sure to stay seated ‘till the end.
When is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 released?
The movie will arrive in the UK on April 28, 2017. Other lucky territories like Australia and Italy will see it arrive on the 25th, while the US must wait until May 5.
Who are the Guardians of the Galaxy?
Star-Lord/Peter Quill (Chris Pratt): Half-alien, half-human leader of the Guardians, he has grown up a lot since the first film. This time around will see him come to terms with his dual-species lineage, tackling intergalactic foe and daddy issues alike.
Gamora (Zoe Saldana): Given a fresh start in the previous film, Gamora left behind a slew of others who might not be so willing to move on. There is some bad blood between her and Nebula which we expect to come to heads in a big way.
Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista): A Hulk-esque bruiser who provides comedy and pathos in equal measure. Still seeking vengeance for the murder of his family, he won’t be satisfied until Thanos is destroyed. Given Thanos’ absence from this film, might we expect to see Drax learn to turn the other cheek? Perish the thought.
Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper): A genetically-engineered raccoon with a penchant for firearms and a ‘Funny How?’ kind of danger. While we don’t know much of what to expect of him in the new film, we do know he will have to come to terms with his best pal being a stick!
Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel): The beloved anthropomorphic tree who sacrificed himself to save the Guardians at the end of the last film returns as a toddler thanks to the regenerative power of saplings. Expect some big laughs from baby Groot as he retraces his roots.
Yondu (Michael Rooker): With the complexion of Marge Simpson’s hair dye and a head fin to match Seaworld’s finest, Peter Quill’s adoptive father joins the Guardians as the film’s only new recruit. Chewing up scenery with great effect last time around, Yondu will be working with the Guardians this time around. Who doesn’t love a great redemption story?
Nebula (Karen Gillan): The term ‘sibling rivalry’ may slightly understate Nebula’s relationship with her sister Gamora and, while we won’t expect to see Thanos in this outing, we are assured by the director that Nebula will play a very important role. Main baddie? We’ll have to see.
Will Thanos appear in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?
To quote Groot, ‘I am Groot’. (That means no.) Thanos will not feature this time around. However, Marvel fans rest assured that we will see him again somewhere down the line – most likely in an Infinity-sized war of some kind.
Will the Collector appear?
The sinister hoarder played by Benicio Del Toro is the other major survivor from Guardians of the Galaxy who won’t appear in the sequel. But worry not! There are some exciting newcomers for you to feast your eyes on.
Who is new in the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?
Kurt Russell is Ego the Living Planet, aka Papa Star-Lord. Quill’s father is revealed to be a giant planet with a face. It stands to reason that Ego appropriated a human form to impregnate Mama Quill but what is yet to be seen is whether Kurt Russell’s eye in the sky is more in line with Mufasa or God as witnessed in Monty Python And The Holy Grail.
Pom Klementieff is playing Mantis. One of the most powerful and important creatures in the Marvel comicverse, Mantis is part-messiah, part-psychic, full-badass. It’ll be interesting to see how she will fit in but we know she was raised by Ego so we’re expecting some sibling rivalry.
Sylvester Stallone is set to appear in a ‘very important cameo’.
Elizabeth Debicki has been cast as Ayesha.
And this being a Marvel movie, Stan Lee will have a cameo. Of course.
Who is directing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?
Fans will be pleased to know that the man behind the first movie, James Gunn will be returning as director. Gunn has also written the screenplay, which will feature mostly original ideas, drifting away from the comic book sources more than the original. After teaming up with co-writer Nicole Perlman on the first Guardians film, Gunn’s going it alone this time.
Who scored Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’s music?
One of the defining features of the first Guardians movie was the platinum-level mixtape soundtrack Awesome Mix Vol. 1. The good news is there will be an Awesome Mix Vol. 2. All the tracks were chosen by Gunn himself and built directly into the script. We can tell you that Jay and the Americans’ Come A Little Bit Closer and The Chain by Fleetwood Mac will be on it and, based on those samples, we can rest assured that Vol. 2 will be every bit as musically awesome as its predecessor. Composer Tyler Bates will also return with original music – and in one of his regular Facebook Live videos, Gunn previewed some of the score being recorded at Abbey Road.
Will there be Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?
Chances are strong. Gunn has promised that if the film does well then the Guardians will ride again – and until then, we will certainly see Peter Quill in Avengers: Infinity War, due in 2018.
Trailers
The first teaser popped along in October, featuring the familiar sounds of Blue Swede’s Hooked On A Feeling.
Then another teaser arrived in December, previewing Baby Groot’s cuteness.
A third, full-length trailer arrived in March, with Fleetwood Mac on the soundtrack and our first look at Kurt Russell.
Posters
