Earlier this year, Guardians of the Galaxy returned to theaters thanks to a long-awaited sequel. The Marvel flick saw Star-Lord and his team make a comeback and save the galaxy from one wholly unexpected threat. After having found his father, Star-Lord learns his pop is anything but a savior, and Kurt Russell was tasked with bringing the villain Ego to life. Now, new concept art for the character has been revealed, and it shows that the holier-than-thou baddie almost looked very different.
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Over on Instagram, noted Marvel Studios artist Andy Park shared artwork he did of Ego the Living Plant. The artist, who is the studio’s Visual Development Division supervisor, posted the stunning painting for fans to see.
“One of the 1st designs I did for Ego on #GuardiansoftheGalaxyVol2 This was so fun to paint!” Park captioned the artwork.
As seen below, the concept design looks very different from how Ego ultimately wound up looking. In the film, Russell’s take on the villain saw his wearing earthy tones; Some fans have even gone so far as to call the baddie a hipster in disguise. Park’s original concept for Ego is much more regal as the character holds a sort of untouchable class.
The concept piece shows Ego sitting upon a stony throne with light beaming down on him. With his legs crossed, Ego bares his shoeless feet, and he looks comfortable in a collared robe. Ego can also be seen with carefully cut facial hair, and one of his hands is preoccupied with a glass of what appears to be red wine.
This isn’t the first concept art of Ego to hit the Internet since Guardians of the Galaxy returned to theaters. Not long ago, artwork of Matthew McConaughey dressed as the villain surfaced online. The Oscar-winning actor was courted for the role prior to Russell’s cast, but McConaughey ultimately turned down the role to star in The Dark Tower.
MORE GUARDIANS NEWS: Sean Gunn On Kraglin And Rocket’s Roles In Avengers: Infinity War And Beyond / Concept Art Reveals Matthew McConaughey’s Ego Design / Detailed Final Designs For Martinex Revealed
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 currently enjoys an 87.06 score on ComicBook.com’s composite rankings, and you can submit your review here. The official synopsis can be found below.
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 in theaters now. Spider-Man: Homecoming lands on July 7, 2017, followed by Thor: Ragnarok on November 3, 2017. After that Black Panther debuts on February 16, 2018, while Avengers: Infinity War hits theaters on May 4, 2018. Ant-Man and the Wasp is slated for July 6, 2018, followed by Captain Marvel on March 8, 2019.
