Kurt Russell is playing a very interesting role in the upcoming "Guardians of the Galaxy" sequel. He is playing the classic Marvel character Ego the Living Planet. For non-comic book readers who may not know, that is, in fact, a giant living planet that floats through outer space. After Hasbro released the first look at the new action figure of Ego, which was a human looking character, a new photo from the movie of Kurt Russell has been revealed and he is, in fact, a human character in the movie.
Spoilers might be included below concerning the comic book version of this character and one previously announced "Guardians of the Galaxy" plot point.
Ego the Living Planet
Ego the Living Planet was originally introduced in Marvel Comics back in 1966 in the pages of "Thor." While he looks menacing, Ego was not really a bad guy at all in the comics. Much like Galactus, he absorbed space vessels and worlds in order to survive. He even battled alongside Thor against Galactus and used his surface to protect people who lost their world to Galactus. Through the years, Ego would be a villain and a hero, depending on what the story needed at the time.
Ego and Starlord in 'Guardians of the Galaxy'
This is a spoiler but director James Gunn revealed it himself so it likely isn't that major of a spoiler compared to the rest of "Guardians Of The Galaxy 2." Ego the Living Planet is -- somehow -- the father of Starlord, Peter Quill.
If fans think back to the first "Guardians" movie, Peter's mother said that his father was from the stars and that seems like it is more than true. Also, remember that the Nova Corps said that Starlord's blood proved he was the descendent of something ancient and unknown. That would be Ego.
Kurt Russell in 'Guardians of the Galaxy 2'
Kurt Russell joined the cast of the sequel to "Guardians of the Galaxy" as Ego the Living Planet, which seemed strange. Most people who read comics wondered how they would show a giant planet without it seeming stupid and it seems that they won't. There is no telling why Ego looks like a human but all questions should be answered when the movie comes out on May 5, 2017.
