<P> Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a 2017 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team Guardians of the Galaxy, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures . It is the sequel to 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy and the fifteenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe . The film is written and directed by James Gunn and stars an ensemble cast featuring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris Sullivan, Sean Gunn, Sylvester Stallone, and Kurt Russell . In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the Guardians travel throughout the cosmos as they help Peter Quill learn more about his mysterious parentage . </P> <P> The film was officially announced at the 2014 San Diego Comic - Con International before the theatrical release of the first film, along with Gunn's return from the first film, with the title of the sequel revealed a year later in June 2015 . The film began principal photography in February 2016 at Pinewood Atlanta Studios in Fayette County, Georgia, with many crew changes from the first film due to other commitments . Filming concluded in June 2016 . Gunn chose to set the sequel shortly after the first film to explore the characters' new roles as the Guardians, and to follow the storyline of Quill's father established throughout the first film--Russell was confirmed in that role in July 2016, portraying Ego, a departure from Quill's comic father . </P> <P> Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 premiered in Tokyo on April 10, 2017 and was released in the United States on May 5, 2017, in 3D and IMAX 3D . It has grossed $862 million worldwide, making it the fourth highest - grossing film of 2017, while also outgrossing its predecessor which had grossed $773 million . The film received generally positive reviews, particularly for its visuals, soundtrack and cast, though critics deemed it not as "fresh" as the original . A sequel, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, is being developed, with Gunn returning to write and direct . </P> <P> In 2014, Peter Quill, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Baby Groot are renowned as the Guardians of the Galaxy . Ayesha, leader of the Sovereign race, has the Guardians protect valuable batteries from an inter-dimensional monster in exchange for Gamora's estranged sister Nebula, who was caught attempting to steal the batteries . After Rocket steals some for himself, the Sovereign attacks the Guardians' ship with a fleet of drones . The drones are destroyed by a mysterious figure, but the Guardians crash - land on a nearby planet . The figure reveals himself as Quill's father, Ego . He invites Quill, Gamora, and Drax to his home planet, while Rocket and Groot remain behind to repair the ship and guard Nebula . </P>

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