Making great superhero movies is tricky, but when you're using characters that not even a lot of comic book fans have heard of, then the process grows significantly more challenging. Fortunately, 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy overcame these obstacles, providing fans not only another solid entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but also a comedic, ridiculous movie that felt different than every thing that had come before in the genre. Needless to say anticipation is high for the sequel, but it was important for director James Gunn that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 not just copy what its predecessor did exactly. He explained:
The first movie was successful because we took chances and gave people the unexpected. This movie can only really be what it is, Guardians can only be what they are, if they're taking a risk. It means giving them a much different movie.
In USA Today's recent Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 info-drop, James Gunn noted how just like with the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie, it was important for the cast and crew to take risks with the follow-up. Just because the 2014 blockbuster earned almost-universally positive reviews and collected over $770 million worldwide doesn't mean it's okay to play it safe with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. We wouldn't have it any other way, Mr. Gunn. Obviously there are some things that need to stay the same, like the team dynamic, but if the sequel was almost an exact duplicate of Guardians of the Galaxy, that would just be boring.
Set two months after the first movie, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will follow the eponymous team as they try to remain an unconventional family. In the midst of this bonding and their usual galactic shenanigans, they'll meet Peter Quill's father, Ego, as well as his confidante, Mantis; reunite with Yondu and Nebula, both of whom will join the team alongside Mantis; and deal with a group of mutinous Ravagers. The fun won't end for them there, though, as the following year, many of these characters are already confirmed to return for Avengers: Infinity War.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will be released in theaters on May 5.
James Gunn's quote wasn't the only cool Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 news from today. Head to the next page to see one of the new Groot products that will be available later this month.
We all knew that Baby Groot would be a merchandising godsend for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and one of the ways Marvel will make sweet money off that sentient tree is with the toy above from Hasbro. The Dancing Groot figure will light up and dance to "Come A Little Bit Closer" from the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 soundtrack, and it also has some moves for any other music you decide to play. So if you find yourself dancing to Awesome Mix Vol. 2, maybe grab this Groot to be your dancing partner.
