Marvel rocked San Diego Comic-Con with a massive collection of films to plug. One of the big guns was the much anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2, the sequel to the 2014 blockbuster that helped propel Chris Pratt to movie star status and made audiences swoon over the adorable tree-like Groot. James Gunn in back in command for Vol. 2, both writing and directing this time at bat, and took charge of the Comic-Con presentation. Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki and Michael Rooker were all present at the panel that included new footage, a complete trailer and a surprise that confirmed a news item that’s been a rumor for quite some time now.
While Marvel (and their parent Disney) are keeping a tight lid over all footage shown to Comic-Con attendees, the main event of the panel was likely the announcement that Kurt Russell is portraying Ego, father to Pratt’s Star-Lord. This has been a long-standing rumor, however one that was officially confirmed during Marvel’s Hall H presentation. Russell’s old Tango and Cash co-hort Sylvester Stallone will also appear in the film, with footage revealing him in Nova Corp attire.
Also confirmed was that Debicki (The Great Gatsby) will be portraying Ayesha, a mysterious character who asks the Guardians for aid until it all kind of falls a part. Gunn, in describing the character on Facebook said, “Ayesha is the golden High Priestess of a genetically-perfect people called the Sovereign. She’s not a woman to be screwed with – she, and her entire world, are extraordinarily deadly. Ayesha also goes by the moniker Kismet in the comics.
Before the trailer was shown for attendees, Gunn and Marvel showed a full scene chronicling an escape from a space jail cell by Yondu (Rooker) and Rocket (again voiced by Bradley Cooper) with the help from Groot, now referred to as Baby Groot, seemingly to tremendous delight from the Comic-Con audience. A full-length trailer followed the scene; Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 recently wrapped production.
Also revealed in the Guardians presentation was official confirmation of a ride based on the film to be brought into Disney’s California Adventure in Anaheim, California. A deeper look at the ride is below. Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 hits theaters on May 5, 107.
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