Marvel Studios Guardians of the Galaxy was a runaway success when it hit theater screens in 2014, but the film was a huge risk. Even many die-hard comic book fans had no clue who the Guardians were. In at least one way, that turned out to be an asset for director and co-writer James Gunn (Super), who was able to heavily adapt the property without widespread ire of fans. The film version of the team is definitely odd, but their classic comic iterations are arguably even odder. For instance, in the film, Drax (the Destroyer) is simply an alien from a race that takes things very literally. In the comics, he was originally a human man, whose spirit was placed a superpowered warrior's body.

A number of returning characters are officially joining the team in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, but the only brand new member we know of is Mantis (played by actress Pom Klementieff). In the comics, Mantis is a human girl from Vietnam who is given over to a sect of the alien Kree. She is assumed to be the "Celestial Madonna," an important religious figure in Kree culture, and trained in advanced martial arts.

James Gunn recently discussed Mantis' role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (via Comic Book) and confirmed that like Drax, her Earth-based backstory will be radically streamlined for the MCU.

"I think that, frankly, some of these characters that do have the various pasts, and various different origins are a little bit easier in Guardians movies, because they don't come with as many expectations. I think adding alien elements to some of these characters a little easier. From the beginning I said, for the time being, Quill is the only Earthling superhero, member of the Guardians. So, that was part of what I had I in mind with her, and that's probably part of why I landed on her as well."

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 full team

While a handful of hardcore comic loyalists out there will no doubt be disappointed that the cinematic iteration of Mantis won't be accurate to her source material, her new origin as simply another odd alien will likely make the most sense to new viewers. In addition to preserving Peter Quill a.k.a. Star Lord's place as the only human in the franchise, this should greatly simplify Mantis' story to more easily fit in alongside the many other heroes in the film.

Are you excited to see what Mantis is capable of when Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 hits screens in May? Let us know in the comments section, and stay tuned to Screen Rant for updates on the Marvel catalog as they hit.

Source: Comic Book

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