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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 136 min · English
Echo score 85
JustWatch #33,687 4
Directed by
James Gunn
Starring
Michael Rooker, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan
Budget
$200M

While listening to Awesome Mixtape #2, the Guardians of the Galaxy confront a significant threat and Peter Quill embarks on a journey to discover the truth about his father. This quest leads them into a cosmic adventure, forcing them to confront old adversaries and forge new alliances. Along the way, familiar comic book characters join their ranks, as the team works to protect their fragile family dynamic and face an unknown enemy.

On this page (9)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (6)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 The book behind the movie
  7. 7 Movie threads
  8. 8 Movies like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
  9. 9 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Where can you watch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Disney Plus, Amazon Video and Apple TV Store: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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6 main characters · contains spoilers

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Peter Quill

    played by Chris Pratt

    Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, is the half-human, half-Celestial leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy. His charismatic yet reckless demeanor often gets him into trouble, but his heart remains in the right place, particularly when it comes to his companions. Throughout the film, he navigates complex emotions surrounding his father Ego and the notion of family.

    • 🚀 Leader
    • 💔 Emotional
  • Gamora

    played by Zoe Saldana

    Gamora is a fierce and skilled warrior, driven by her quest for redemption after her past as an assassin under Thanos. Despite her tough exterior, she battles inner turmoil and seeks to protect her newfound family within the Guardians. Her complex relationship with her sister Nebula adds depth to her character arc.

    • 🌿 Protector
    • 🔪 Assassin
  • Drax

    played by Dave Bautista

    Drax the Destroyer is a warrior fueled by the desire for revenge after losing his family to Thanos. His literal interpretations and unfiltered honesty provide comedic relief amid the film's serious moments. Throughout the movie, his character evolves as he learns to form new bonds while honoring his lost ones.

    • ⚔️ Vengeful
    • 😂 Honest
  • Rocket

    played by Bradley Cooper

    Rocket is a genetically modified raccoon known for his expert skills in weaponry and engineering. Though often portrayed as abrasive and selfish, he possesses a complex personality marked by deep-seated insecurities and a constant search for belonging. His bond with Yondu unfolds, highlighting themes of friendship and loyalty.

    • 🦝 Genius
    • 🔫 Tech-Savvy
  • Yondu Udonta

    played by Michael Rooker

    Yondu provides a father-like figure to Peter Quill, embodying both authority and compassion. His leadership as the blue-skinned Ravager contrasts with his soft spot for Quill, making him a multidimensional character. His journey towards redemption culminates in a significant sacrifice that highlights the meaning of true fatherhood.

    • 🔱 Leader
    • ❤️ Father Figure
  • Nebula

    played by Karen Gillan

    Nebula is a conflicted character battling her identity amidst her rivalry with sister Gamora. A survivor of abuse, she seeks vengeance against those who wronged her, yet simultaneously struggles with her desire for familial connection. Through the film, her growth showcases the complexity of sibling relationships.

    • 🔫 Sister
    • ⚔️ Vengeful

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:49

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Setting

Where and When Does Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Take Place?

The setting of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

1980, 2014

The film primarily oscillates between two crucial time periods: the 1980s, representing Peter's origins, and 2014, the present-day setting of the Guardians' adventure. The events of 1980 highlight the love story between Ego and Peter's mother, while 2014 introduces the Guardians as a cohesive team facing universal threats.

Location

Earth, Berhert

The movie takes place across multiple locations, primarily focusing on Earth and the mysterious planet Berhert. Earth is depicted as Peter Quill's home world, encapsulating his human origins. Berhert serves as a pivotal location where the Guardians confront various threats and challenges, including Ego's revelation.

  • 🏞️ Planet
  • 🌌 Space

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:49

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3 major themes

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Familial Bonds

    Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 intricately explores the theme of familial bonds, especially through Peter Quill’s relationship with Ego and Yondu. The film emphasizes that family can be defined by love and sacrifice rather than mere blood relations. This theme resonates strongly during Yondu's sacrifice, showcasing how chosen family can shape one's identity.

  • Redemption

    The theme of redemption permeates throughout the film, particularly embodied by characters like Gamora and Yondu. Gamora seeks to reconcile her turbulent past as an assassin, while Yondu grapples with his misguided decisions as a leader. Their journeys highlight the importance of confronting one's past to pave the way for a brighter future.

  • Adventure

    Adventure is the heartbeat of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, as the Guardians embark on a thrilling quest filled with cosmic battles and unexpected alliances. The film's action-packed sequences and interstellar settings keep viewers on the edge of their seats, showcasing the camaraderie and resilience of the group against formidable foes.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:49

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Character & theme questions

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 set?

The film takes place across multiple locations, primarily on Earth and the mysterious planet Berhert. Earth serves as Peter Quill's homeworld, representing his human origins, while Berhert becomes a pivotal location where the Guardians confront major threats and revelations, including the truth about Ego.

  • earth
  • berhert
  • setting
  • locations
  • planet
Q2

What time period does Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 take place in?

The film oscillates between two time periods: 1980, which depicts Peter Quill's origins and the love story between Ego and his mother, and 2014, the present-day setting where the Guardians operate as a cohesive team facing universal threats.

  • 1980
  • 2014
  • time period
  • era
  • timeline
Q3

What is the main theme of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?

The film's central theme revolves around familial bonds, particularly the idea that family is defined by love and sacrifice rather than blood relations. This resonates through Peter Quill's relationships with both his biological father Ego and his surrogate father Yondu, culminating in a powerful demonstration of chosen family.

  • family
  • bonds
  • themes
  • fatherhood
  • relationships
Q4

How does Yondu relate to Peter Quill?

Yondu Udonta serves as a father-like figure to Peter Quill, acting as the blue-skinned Ravager leader who raised him after abducting the young Peter from Earth. Despite his tough exterior and criminal background, Yondu harbors genuine compassion for Quill, and their complex relationship forms an emotional core of the film.

  • yondu
  • peter quill
  • father
  • adoptive
  • ravagers
Q5

Who is Ego in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?

Ego is Peter Quill's biological father, a Celestial being who appears as a charming human but is actually a living planet. He reveals his true nature and intentions to Peter on Berhert, forcing Peter to confront the reality of his Celestial heritage and the nature of paternal love versus manipulation.

  • ego
  • celestial
  • father
  • peter quill
  • origin
Q6

What role does Gamora play in the Guardians?

Gamora serves as the team's fierce warrior and spiritual core, bringing skilled combat abilities and strategic thinking. Beyond her fighting prowess, she represents the theme of redemption, grappling with her past as Thanos's assassin while seeking to protect her newfound family within the Guardians.

  • gamora
  • warrior
  • redemption
  • assassin
  • guardians
Q7

Why is Nebula significant in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?

Nebula is a conflicted character who serves as Gamora's sister and primary rival, having both been改造by Thanos. Her journey explores the complexity of sibling relationships and her struggle between seeking vengeance and desiring familial connection, adding depth to the film's exploration of family dynamics.

  • nebula
  • gamora
  • sister
  • rivalry
  • family
Q8

How is redemption portrayed in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?

Redemption is a central theme embodied primarily by Gamora and Yondu. Gamora confronts her violent past as an assassin to forge a new path, while Yondu grapples with his previous misguided decisions as a Ravager leader. Both characters demonstrate that confronting one's past is essential for personal growth and belonging.

  • redemption
  • gamora
  • yondu
  • forgiveness
  • growth
Q9

What is the conflict between Peter Quill and his father Ego?

Peter Quill's conflict with his father Ego centers on the revelation that Ego is not only a Celestial being but also a manipulative figure who used Peter's mother to have a child with the intent of using Peter to expand his own power. This forces Peter to distinguish between genuine paternal love and selfish ambition.

  • ego
  • peter quill
  • father
  • conflict
  • celestial betrayal
Q10

Why is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 considered bittersweet?

The film's tone balances comedic banter, whimsical music, and adventurous spirit with dark emotional moments including a major paternal betrayal and sacrifice. This creates a bittersweet atmosphere where victory over the main threat is coupled with profound loss, giving the story emotional weight beyond typical superhero fare.

  • tone
  • bittersweet
  • emotional
  • sacrifice
  • humor

Movie threads

More Movies Like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 about found families in action

Action-packed adventures where a quirky team becomes a real family. If you enjoyed the mix of epic battles, sarcastic banter, and deep emotional bonds in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, explore these stories. These movies feature misfit teams who become a family, combining thrilling action and comedy with a heartfelt core about connection and loyalty.

  • found-family
  • action-packed
  • sarcastic
  • adventurous
  • sentimental
  • heroic
  • Tone: bittersweet, hopeful
  • Pacing: fast, energetic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a group of initially disparate individuals—often misfits or loners—who are forced together by circumstance. Through a series of chaotic, action-driven events, they learn to trust and rely on one another, transforming from a simple team into a deeply bonded, chosen family that faces external threats together.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped together because they share a specific tonal recipe: high-octane action sequences and consistent comedic relief are perfectly balanced with a sincere, emotional exploration of found family dynamics. The viewing experience is fun, fast, and ultimately heartwarming.

Bittersweet space operas with deep character arcs like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Epic sci-fi adventures where personal stakes outweigh galactic ones. Fans of the cosmic scale and personal father-son drama in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will appreciate these movies. They are grand sci-fi adventures where the emotional resolution is complex and bittersweet, focusing on character growth and sacrifice amidst interstellar conflict.

  • epic
  • bittersweet
  • cosmic
  • heroic
  • nostalgic
  • self-sacrifice
  • Tone: bittersweet, epic
  • Pacing: fast, epic scale
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot revolves around a cosmic threat or adventure, but the central conflict is deeply personal, often involving a quest for identity, a reconciliation with a troubled past, or a fraught familial relationship. The resolution typically involves a significant sacrifice, resulting in a victory that is meaningful yet emotionally costly.

Why they belong together: This thread connects films that share a specific narrative structure: they use the scale of a space opera as a canvas for intimate, character-driven stories that conclude with a bittersweet emotional tone, blending spectacular action with profound personal stakes.

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Every angle

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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