'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' news, spoilers: Mantis introduced in new concept art; Zoe Saldana talks Nebula-Gamora relationship
Mantis (Pom Klementieff), one of the new members of the ragtag group of misfits known as the Guardians of the Galaxy, has just been unveiled in a new piece of concept art for the upcoming "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2."
The image was first published by Entertainment Weekly and later shared on Facebook by "Vol. 2" director James Gunn.
Apart from Mantis, the concept art also features original Guardians Star-Lord/Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper), and Groot (Vin Diesel). It also introduces the new additions to the team: Gamora's sister Nebula (Karen Gillan), who was a villain in the first film, and Star-Lord's former boss/father figure Yondu Udonta (Michael Rooker), the leader of the Ravagers.
According to Gunn, the concept art was created by artist Andy Park and served as an inspiration and guide for the sequel's cast during its production.
"Guardians" executive producer Jonathan Schwartz spoke to Entertainment Weekly about Mantis and revealed some interesting details about the new character.
"She has never really experienced social interaction," he said. "Everything she learns about dealing with people, she learns from the Guardians of the Galaxy, which is a very weird group to learn your social intricacies from."
Schwartz also spoke about Baby Groot, who he said will be very different from the Groot in the first film. According to the "Guardians" boss, the Groot in "Vol. 2" will not have the wisdom of the older Groot and will be "more rambunctious."
Meanwhile, Saldana recently spoke to IGN about the relationship between her character, Gamora, and Nebula, Gamora's adopted sister.
Following her initial turn as a villain in "Guardians of the Galaxy" (2014), Nebula will re-emerge in "Vol. 2" as one of the protagonists.
According to Saldana, "Vol. 2" will delve deeper into Nebula's backstory to explain why she is the way she is. It will also offer some insight into the tumultuous relationship between her and Gamora.
"You'll begin to get a glimpse of how terrible life must have been like to grow up with a crazy stepfather through Nebula," the actress said, adding that viewers will learn why Nebula is so "resentful" and "bitter."
"Gamora, everything she does is trying to gain redemption for what she'd done before," she added. "That's where you're going to find her and then, obviously, their relationship is very volatile."
"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" is slated to hit theaters May 5, 2017.