Marvel Studios conceptual artist Andy Park has released a small sample of his amazing Guardians of the Galaxy Vo. 2 concept art, featuring costume designs for Nebula, Gamora, Star-Lord, and Mantis.
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“I loved concept designing Nebula for both [Guardians of the Galaxy] films,” Park shared. “What a fun character to explore. I always saw her as Marvel’s Sith Lord. And she was beautifully played by [Karen Gillan.] This concept painting shows her worn down look with her missing hand replaced with what was referred to as her new “sh-t hand” that only opens & closes by pulling the lever. It’s the contrast of her being so highly advanced & her having the most rudimentary replacement hand ever.”
Of all the characters, with Yondu being perhaps the only exception, Nebula has biggest character development from the first film to the sequel. When we first met the blue-skinned cyborg and Ronan’s loyal lieutenant, she had a deep-seeded grudge against her adoptive sister Gamora, but those feelings seemed to only stem from jealousy. There was no doubt that she was the bad sister and Gamora was the good one. But in the sequel, by fleshing out her back story, James Gunn was able to change our perception of Nebula. All of sudden we could sympathize with her and understand where her motivation for killing Gamora and Thanos comes from.
Check out the rest of Park’s concept art in our slideshow 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 now playing!
Gamora
“I did a ton of outfit/costume variations for Gamora on [Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2],” Park explained. “Here’s one of the ones [James Gunn] liked. We were going for more of a rock star vibe with the Guardians this time around. They did just save the universe after all so why not :)[.] It’s always fun painting the powerful.”
Star-Lord
Four days ago, to celebrate Mother’s Day, Park released concept art of Star-Lord that features a blue color scheme that his comic book counterpart often wears. “Here’s one of the [first] concept design versions I painted up of [Chris Pratt, a.k.a. Star-Lord/Peter Quill]. [When] starting [Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,] I attempted a blue color scheme more like his original comic book look.”
Mantis
Park released an early, bug-like design for Mantis. “This is one of the 1st versions of Mantis that I designed when starting the project. James Gunn took a liking to it & it was going in this direction for a long time until it was decided that going simpler was the way to go. That decision was made clear once [Pom Klementieff] was cast. Her natural look with some minor additions (antennae, contacts, lashes & wig) made the character come alive. I loved exploring Mantis’ design.”
Shortly after it posted the image, Pratt paid Park a huge compliment. “Awesome,” Pratt tweeted. “That is the kind of crazy talent that must never go unnoticed. Beautiful.”
Park was honored by his remarks and returned the compliment. “I have tons of respect for Chris Pratt both as an actor and as a person,” Park said. “He truly seems like a stand-up guy. I was honored to get this tweet mention from him earlier today. I’m truly honored!”
“The Art of the Movie” Wrap-Around Cover
Aside creating concept art for the film, Park also designed the wrap-around cover for ‘Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: The Art of the Movie’ book. “This cover I painted was heavily influenced by sci-fi pulp novel covers, Al Williamsons, & the movie poster master himself, Drew Struzan. Is it legal to have this much fun?”
More Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Concept Art
- Alternate Ayesha Costume Designs
- Awesome Key-Frame Art
- Early Ayesha And Ego Concept Art
- Adorable Baby Groot Concept Art
- Marvel Gave Us A Huge Moment In Vol 2. Concept Art
- Alternate Ego And Mantis Costume Designs
- Cute Baby Groot Concept Art
- Alternate Designs For Mantis
