Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is definitely picking up speed. Major developments have been reported with respect to the individual franchises in the MCU, and casting news are giving hints about what could go down in the upcoming movies.
Among the biggest names that were recently added to the MCU are "Jurassic Park" stars Jeff Goldblum and Sam Neill, who will both star in "Thor: Ragnarok." For "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," Kurt Russell has been cast to play father to Chris Pratt's Peter Quill. Also participating in secret roles are Sylvester Stallone and Sharon Stone.
Given the caliber of the actors and their age demographic, there have been speculations that The Elders of the Universe are going to take on more prominent roles in the upcoming films. The Elders are a group of ancient ones, each of them being the last surviving members of their respective race. Russell's character, Ego, is one of the known Elders in the comic books.
Schmoes Knows claims that these ancient beings will play an important part role in "Guardians of the Galaxy 2." According to the website, The Elders are "the impetus for Star-Lord to seek out Ego the Living Planet." There will be at least four Elders in the sequel, namely Benicio del Toro's The Collector and Elizabeth Debicki's Ayesha. It is also presumed that Sylvester Stallone and Sharon Stone are going to portray Elders.
Director James Gunn, however, denied rumors about The Elders taking a central role in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2."
Through his official Twitter account, Gunn addressed the rumors, saying, "Where do you guys get this nonsense? Who are all the people running around giving fake inside scoops to journalists?"
Contrary to speculations, however, Gunn previously said that del Toro won't be part of "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2." On the other hand, while it is not certain if Ayesha is one of the Elders, it is confirmed that she's going to be the main villain in the second film. The character is described as "the golden High Priestess of a genetically-perfected people called the Sovereign."
"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" will premiere in theaters on May 5, 2017.