Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 teaser promises more of the same

Hit play on the mixtape: the Guardians of the Galaxy are back for what looks to be another riotous space romp in a new teaser trailer released by Marvel Studios on Wednesday.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 picks up with the title's gang of ruffians having defeated Ronan the Accuser and now investigating the mysteries of Star-Lord's lineage.   

When Guardians of the Galaxy first burst onto the screen in 2014, it was a refreshing change from the increasing strident genre of superhero films. 

• FILM REVIEW | Guardians of the Galaxy is the anti-Avengers

Former horror director James Gunn delivered a film that didn't take itself too seriously, while packaging the movie's outer-space action with a DayGlo colour scheme and welcome dash of optimism. Starring Chris Pratt as the cocksure space smugger Peter Quill/Star-Lord, the movie also helped cement the former TV actor's movie career.

This new teaser promises more of same. Back is that groovy '70s soundtrack, with Blue Swede's Hooked on a Feeling backing the fresh footage. Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket the Raccoon and even a tiny Groot (Awwwww!) all make an appearance. 

But the question remains: can writer-director Gunn hit the same irreverent notes that made the first film stand out? 

There's reason to believe the sequel could be as strange and loopy as the first film. For instance, GGV2 will feature Kurt Russell as one of the most unusual characters in the Marvel comic book universe: Ego the Living Planet. 

Plus, as an old West Coast Avengers reader, I'm psyched to see Canadian actor Nathan Fillion as Simon Williams/Wonder Man. In the comics, the character was a C-list superhero who turned his celebrity into a Hollywood career. I can't think anyone better to play the ham than Fillion.  

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 opens in theatres May 5, 2017.