The latest trailer for James Gunn’s superhero sequel (out May 5) features an expanded lineup of Guardians, Elizabeth Debicki’s golden-skinned alien, and Fleetwood Mac’s rock classic “The Chain.” Also? Snake freakin’ Plissken!
The big question before the debut of the new Guardians Of the Galaxy Vol. 2 trailer was, Would it feature Kurt Russell? Spoiler alert: it does! But the clip makes us wait for our first proper look at the Escape From New York legend, who is playing father Star-Lord has never met, a.k.a. Ego the Living Planet. We’re not really complaining about the opening, however, which features some nice badinage between Chris Pratt’s Peter Quill and Zoe Saldana’s massive gun-carrying Gamora (“Is that a rifle?” “You don’t know what a rifle looks like?”)
Why does Gamora need such an outsized weapon? It’s likely connected to the team’s new career as galactic mercenaries and to the arrival of an enormous, tentacled creature. Fortunately, Dave Bautista’s knives-equipped alien Drax seems happy to take on the sucker, which Gunn revealed last year to be a multi-dimensional being known as an “Abilisk.”
Enter Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby), who is playing the golden-skinned alien Ayesha and has some harsh words for our heroes. “I see it within you,” she says. “Fear. Jealousy. Betrayal. It is our duty to cleanse the universe of this weakness.” The literally winking response from the Bradley Cooper-voiced Rocket? “You know, they told me you people were conceited douchebags, but that isn’t true at all!” Sadly, Rocket chooses to wink with his eye that is visible to Ayesha.
“Groot, put your seatbelt on!” ‘Nuff said.
“So we’re saving the galaxy again?” asks Star-Lord in voiceover. Hey, it’s not called Non-Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, buddy — and, also, yes. Which is music to Rocket’s ears. “We’re really going to be able to jack up our prices if we’re two-time galaxy-savers!” says the rascal.
The next, highly action-packed, series of shots briefly highlights the team’s members and would seem to confirm that Yondu, Karen Gillan’s Nebula, and Pom Klementieff’s new character Mantis all become Guardians during the course of the film. It’s the HR department I feel sorry for.
“Sometimes,” says Star-Lord, as we see Drax and Gamora entranced by mysterious floating spheres, “the thing you’re searching for your whole life, it’s right there by your side all along.” Cue Drax, who actually is right there by Quill’s side, scaring the crap out of him.
“All you do is yell at each other! You’re not friends,” says Gamora. “No, we’re family,” replies Drax. (And how much did it burn the Groot-voicing Vin Diesel not to get to say that line?)
Hey, who’s that cloaked guy in the distance? Could it be…?
…yes it is! Kurt Russell finally makes an appearance.
“After all these years, I’ve found you,” announces Ego.
“And who the Hell are you?” asks Star-Lord.
“I’m your dad, Peter,” comes the reply.
Is there a dry eye in the house? There isn’t in this writer’s abode, that’s for sure.
