GOTG Holiday Special Actor Shares When The Twist Originally Happened

Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday SpecialThe Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special's twist was planned, says Mantis actor Pom Klementieff. Guardians of the Galaxy franchise director James Gunn helmed the Guardians team-focused holiday special, which served as the Marvel Cinematic Universe's second seasonal special after Werewolf By Night. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, filmed simultaneously with trilogy finisher Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, brings the Guardians together for a holiday-fueled, Earth-centric adventure. Starring Chris Pratt as Peter Quill, Klementieff as Mantis, Dave Bautista as Drax, Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon, and Vin Diesel as Groot, the special brought together a few other familiar Guardians of the Galaxy franchise characters as well as a few surprises, such as Kevin Bacon.

While The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is largely meant to serve as a seasonal romp, checking in with the characters prior to the final installment of their trilogy, it nonetheless featured a few key important moments and insights, and one in particular will likely have a major impact on the character dynamics in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. In The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, Mantis revealed to Peter that she is his half-sister, the daughter of Ego (Kurt Russell). While speaking with TVLine, Klementieff revealed that she had prior knowledge of the heartwarming twist. See what she had to say below:

“I’ve known this little secret for years, because I knew about it when I was shooting Guardians of the Galaxy 2. I think it was supposed to be in Guardians of the Galaxy 2, and then James Gunn decided to hold onto it and reveal it later. It’s nice that it’s out there now...it creates more layers and a special and beautiful, bond between the two characters.”

What The Family Connection Means For Vol.3

Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special Peter Quill Star-Lord Hugs Mantis

A major reason for Peter's personality and actions in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise hinges on his quest to find his family, which effectively ended in tragic fashion in the second installment with his father's admission that he killed Peter's mother. Ego then attempted to kill Peter and his friends, making Peter realize that his found family ultimately meant more to him than his biological family. Soon after coming to this realization, Peter lost one of his greatest loves, Gamora (Zoe Saldaña). After suffering so much tragedy and disappointment when it comes to his relationships with others, it makes sense that when Peter appears in the holiday special, he's feeling depressed, disillusioned, and alone.

Before the holiday special twist was revealed, Mantis and Drax were already filling their role as people who care deeply about Peter by seeking to get him the perfect present to cheer him up, which resulted in the pair hilariously trying to kidnap Peter's favorite actor Kevin Bacon. Of course, Peter, Mantis, Drax, Rocket, and Groot don't have to be biologically related to care for each other and consider one another as family, which is a major through-line of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. However, Mantis' newfound connection with Peter cements their bond with one another even more and reinforces the idea that the thing Peter has been seeking his whole life is right in front of him.

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the information that Mantis is his sister coupled with the loss of Gamora will likely lead to a more cautious and uncertain Peter than the one viewers are accustomed to. While the Guardians' team leader usually functions as a charmingly arrogant and snarky presence, the character will likely withdraw due to the realization that he has much more to lose than he thought, especially since The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special revealed that he and Mantis share the same father. This may lead Peter to question himself and be reluctant to put his team in harm's way in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 due to his fear of losing more family, which is sure to have serious consequences.

More: How Did Nebula Get THAT Christmas Present For Rocket?!

Source: TVLine