Early Guardians Of The Galaxy Concept Art Reveals Very Different Look For Yondu

When fans saw Yondu in Guardians of the Galaxy, they were introduced to a rough-and-tough version of the character. The blue-skinned alien sported a worn leather get-up and rocked a scruffy beard to complete his look as a Ravager leader. But, according to James Gunn, Yondu almost looked very different.

The director recently uploaded a pice of concept art to Instagram that shows off Yondu’s alternative look. He posted the photo with a short message that reads, “Sweet early concept art for #Yondu in #GotG by Andrew Kim featuring a fantastic vision of @michael_rooker’s abs.”

Looking at the art, it is impossible to overlook the character’s ornate appearance. Gone is Yondu’s leather ensemble as it’s been replaced by flashy metal armory. Really, the only part of Yondu that still looks like him is his blue skin. The character ditched his red, metal mohawk for some unruly hair, and Yondu even has what appears to be gills on his face. Many fans have suggested the concept art better suits a character like Apocalypse as there’s a definite god-like aesthetic to Yondu’s proposed look.

Of course, the look is rooted in comic book canon. The concept art is based on the character’s historical appearance.

For Guardians of the Galaxy, this definitely isn’t the first piece of concept art to be dropped. Fans were inundated with artwork once the space comedy dropped, and recently, fans were teased with a photo that depicts Yondu in the film’s sequel.

Taking to Instagram, Marvel Studios uploaded a picture of Michael Rooker in character as Yondu. The picture prominently showcases a new fin mohawk that the character will be rocking. Beyond the headgear update, much of Yondu looks the same as the character stills dons his tested leather suit and scarred face.

In preparation for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the folks at Marvel have been glad to share concept art of the sequel. James Gunn posted one such image to his Facebook that shows the Guardians fighting a strange monster from the Cancerverse, an alternate reality that first appeared in the comics years ago. The studio itself also released a piece of concept art of the film’s ensemble characters that gave fans a first-look at Mantis, a powerful hero with ties to the Kree Empire.

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.

[H/T] Instagram