Casting is just starting to move on Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and right now only one new addition has been set to join the returning Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, and Bradley Cooper. That would be Pom Klementieff, who is said to have a key role in the film, although what that role could be was left unspecified. As is typically the case, it didn't take long for a rumor to surface about who she could be playing.
According to Deadline, Klementieff could be playing Mantis, who in the comics is a member of the Avengers, West Coast Avengers, and even the Guardians of the Galaxy at one point. She was created by writer Steve Englehart, who had such an affection for her that he took her story to other companies, including DC Comics where she appeared as Willow. Mantis is the half-Vietnamese, half-German daughter of the Zodiact terrorist known as Libra. She was raised by the alien Kree sect known as the Priests of Pama, who believed her to be the Celestial Madonna and the eventual mother to the Celestial Messiah. She would later have her mind wiped and go out into the universe to gain life experience, which is when she encounters the Avengers. Mantis is a superior martial artist with telepathic powers and the ability to find an enemy's weakest point. Only two people have ever defeater her in battle, and one of them is not Thor who she faced and knocked unconscious. So she's a total bad ass.
One thing we know from writer/director James Gunn is that the film will largely deal with Star-Lord's quest to learn of his father. Well, Mantis has similar daddy issues and perhaps their paths will cross along the way.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 opens May 5th 2017.
