How do you topGuardians of the Galaxy? The most idiosyncratic and peculiar of the Marvel film-verse,Guardiansis the perfect alchemy of wit, heart and weirdo Benicio del Toro performance. It’s a movie that instantly tapped into the zeitgeist – turningChris Prattand a dancing baby tree into instant movie stars.
At the Comic Con Marvel panel, filmmakerJames Gunnpreviewed just how he plans to top the original. His answer: a ton more Tiny Groot. Gunn alongside the entire cast previewed what to expect in the just wrappedGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2and premiered exclusive footage from the film. For highlights from the panel and thoughts on the footage, read below.
Panel Highlights
Footage Recap
James Gunn brought two clips for the Comic Con crowd, the first an actual scene from the sequel. The Ravagers throw Rocket Raccoon and Yondu Udonto into a jail cell, telling the duo they’re about to be sent off to The Kree. They keep Tiny Groot in his own bird-cage; but can’t kill him because “he’s too adorable.” This isn’t an understatement – the entire Hall H audience ‘oohed and aahed’ at every single shot of Tiny Groot. He even has his own mini Guardian suit – a la Star Lord’s outfit. Basically Tiny Groot is going to make Marvel all the money in merchandising. He may be so popular – no other toy will ever be needed at a store again.
Anyway – Tiny Groot gets out of his cage and is enlisted to get Yondu his Yaka arrow to break out. But Groot doesn’t understand and instead brings him underwear, a severed finger and a desk. It’s up to Rocket to speak to Groot so he understands just what to get.
After Yondu finally gets his hands on the arrow, things get violent. Hundreds of Ravagers are mowed down in slow motion as Rocket, Yondu and Groot strut to the beat of ‘Come A Little Bit Closer’.Only James Gunn could make mass murder fun and hilarious. The highlight of the scene though is Tiny Groot chasing a Ravager, grabbing him with extended branches and tossing him casually off a catwalk to his death. Tiny cute things horrifically murdering a grown adult = always great. This is a scientific proof.
The second bit of footage was more of an extended trailer. We got glimpses of the Guardians facing off against some space octopus-like monster, Star Lord teasing Rocket by calling him a “trash panda”, and even a brief appearance bySylvester Stallone– all set to a cool 80s jam (Fleetwood Mac’sBreak the Chain). But the highlight of the footage was the reveal ofKurt Russellas Star Lord’s dad – Ego. Ego, by the by, is a living planet – yes, an actual living planet. This is not a metaphor. They allude to this in the trailer during an extended comedy scene where Ego tells the Guardians he’s chosen to adopt a human form, prompting Drax to question if all the anatomy’s in place for the guise. “Yes, I have a penis,” Russell deadpans.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2opens August 15, 2025. On May 6th, Tiny Groot takes over the world.
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