Beyond the cosmos
> Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana take their characters on yet another wild adventure in James Gunn’s sequel to The Guardians of the Galaxy
SET TO the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 (which opened here yesterday), continues the adventures of the Guardians as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos.
The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together, as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage.
Old foes become new allies, and fan-favourite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid, as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 is written and directed by James Gunn and stars Chris Pratt (who plays Quill aka Star Lord), Zoe Saldana (Gamora), Dave Bautista (Drax), Vin Diesel (Baby Groot), and Bradley Cooper (Rocket).
It also features appearances by Hollywood veterans Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell.
In interview transcript provided by Marvel Studios, Pratt and Saldana talk about reprising their roles in this sequel.
Pratt, how is it like working with Gunn again? “James is a profound thinker, on top of being a good person and a kind, generous person, who is spiritually grounded.
“He’s fully committed to making this the greatest spectacle film of all time. And we’re all behind his vision.
“It’s really nice to pick up where we left off. He’s learned how to direct me, which I think was tough. He’s wide open to any ideas that I have comedically.
“The story is absolutely his, but I feel like the character of Peter Quill is very much a collaboration of both of our sensibilities.
“He’s able to see something in me that works for the character, and he knows how to guide me towards that.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding on a personal level and a professional level.
“I just love him as a friend. He’ll be my friend forever. I’ll always seek his advice on everything.
“But on top of that, we work really well together. It’s my favourite part of being a Guardian of the Galaxy and being part of the Marvel Universe.”
What will connect with audiences here, Pratt? “What I’m really hoping for is that they’ll get exactly what they got in the first movie, but in a completely different way.
“But it’s not going to be what they expect. It’s going to be different, just like the first movie was.
“It’s going to knock their socks off.”
Saldana, what is going on with the relationship between Gamora and Nebula (Karen Gillen)? “I’m one of three sisters. We’re all a year apart and we’re super close. I kind of wanted that to be the dynamic between Gamora and Nebula.
“It’s that thing about being an older sibling and accepting that if your younger sibling really knew how much more powerful they truly are, it would be better between the both of you.
“I feel that’s something that is happening between Gamora and Nebula.
“I think that Gamora’s realising that it’s her job as an older sibling to guide Nebula.
“Gamora making peace with Nebula is a part of the redemption process. She’s the only family member that Gamora will ever know.
“So if Nebula’s all she has, then she’s worth the sacrifice and the work and the pain.”
Tell us about your stunt work, Saldana. “I did more stunts in this one than in the first one. It’s a lot, but it all felt like fun.
“There was more one- on-one combat in the first movie. In this one there are a lot of jumps and flying in the air.
“I also feel like my quarrelling with Nebula feels much more sophisticated.
“We’re not just like hitting each other. I feel like we have stepped it up a notch.”
Saldana, what do you think will connect with audiences? “I think all the issues that we’re tackling, like emotional issues, such as our relationships with our fathers, our friends and our siblings, are going to connect with the audiences.
“How you evolve from this adult that you are now into a better one is also an issue.
“And I love that about Guardians. It gives it a very human essence.”