What James Gunn Says is the Primary Story of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

The cavalcade of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 information from the set visit earlier this month [...]

By ComicBook.com Staff - February 15, 2017 01:44 pm EST

The cavalcade of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 information from the set visit earlier this month may have subsided, but thanks to the Doctor Strange special features, there's still more to talk about in regards to Marvel Studios' next film. The highly-anticipated sequel is about the band of intergalactic adventurers, it's about Ego, Star-Lord's father, it's about the villain Ayesha, it's about adding to their ranks, but James Gunn, the writer and director of the film, says it's really all about something else.

"I think the primary story is really about learning that thing that we think we want, that we're going to get outside of ourselves and outside of these relationships that we have, has been there all along," Gunn said in the "Marvel Phase 3" special feature included with the Doctor Strange home release. He added that the film over hall "has really been just an absolute, pure joy."

That one-sentence summary of the "primary story" as Gunn put it echoes what he's been saying about the film for the last year or so. As much as there's adventure and action and high stakes, the movie is at its core about relationships - both within and outside of the team. The idea that some of them, probably mostly Peter Quill, Star-Lord played by Chris Pratt, will be discovering more about themselves internally jives with that nicely. It will also offer up some great story opportunities with new member Mantis, whose power is empathic - she literally feels what others are feeling; perfect for some surprising self-discovery.

Doctor Strange is available now on Digital HD, and comes to DVD and Blu-ray on February 28, 2017.

Set to the backdrop of 'Awesome Mixtape #2,' Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team's adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill's true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite 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 (Slither). The film marks the return of the original Guardians, including Chris Pratt (Jurassic World) as Peter Quill/Star-Lord; Zoe Saldana (Star Trek Into Darkness) as Gamora; Dave Bautista (Spectre) as Drax; Vin Diesel (Furious 7) as the voice of Groot; Bradley Cooper (American Sniper) as the voice of Rocket; Michael Rooker (Jumper) as Yondu; Karen Gillan (The Big Short) as Nebula; and Sean Gunn (Gilmore Girls) as Kraglin. New cast members include Pom Klementieff (Oldboy), Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby, Everest), Chris Sullivan (The Knick, The Drop) and Kurt Russell (The Hateful Eight, The Thing).

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on May 5, 2017. Excited about the film? Click the fire icons in the box below to rate your anticipation and let your voice be heard!