While Guardians of the Galaxy was only released back in 2014, it feels like a lifetime has passed since Star Lord and his gang of misfits were first introduced to us. Knowing that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was eventually coming didn't help the fact that it's probably the most anticipated Marvel movie this side of an Avengers team-up. So naturally, when we heard that a full trailer was going to premiere tonight, we got our hopes up that something special was coming our way. And as you'll see in the video below, they certainly didn't disappoint.
Jimmy Kimmel Live gave us our latest look at the madness that is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and there's quite a few memorable moments to pick out from the crowd. For a while, we thought Rocket's perfect sequel line about jacking up prices after saving the galaxy twice was going to be our MVP moment. But then, out of the blue came a stinger that sure as hell wasn't on the broadcast version: our first look at Kurt Russell, in action, as Ego, The Living Planet. We can see why this moment was saved for the online release of the clip, as it's something so long awaited that it needs a bit more panache. But still, it's kind of unfair that those who turned off their TVs, in order to go to bed, missed out on such a big ticket ending.
As for the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy crew, it looks like business is status quo for the time being. With the exception of both Yondu and Nebula looking as if they've aligned with the team against Ayesha, the golden figure who looks to cleanse the universe of our favorite characters from this corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Oh, and there's the whole Star Lord/Gamora relationship that looks to be developing, just as sure as Baby Groot is growing bigger under the watchful eye of Rocket Raccoon. So maybe things are a little different in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, but they kind of have to be in order to meet, if not exceed, the film's expectations.
Unfortunately, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has a level of expectation that the original film didn't have, which means that this could be the most pressured sequel on Marvel's current docket. Though even with such a weight upon it, that hasn't stopped the film from acing internal Marvel test screenings, which lead to the film scoring an unheard of perfect 100. Which begs the question, could Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 become the next "best Marvel Cinematic Universe movie ever?" It's never to early to be asking such a thing, especially when the road towards the film's eventual release seems to be conditioned towards comparing it to the rest of the MCU canon. And seeing as Kurt Russell and Disney tend to be magic together in the first place, his charming mug just might be a key part of what makes this movie so spectacular.
Let's lower ourselves back down to Earth for now, as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 won't be blasting into our atmosphere until May 5th. But we'll tell you what. See the newly revealed poster for the film, then click over to the next page to learn everything you need to know about Kurt Russell's character, Ego the Living Planet.
