Marvel Studios is not known for its slavish accuracy to source material, but when "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2." hits theaters, that source material will get just a little bit more legitimized on the big screen.
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Marvel's Instagram account has shared a new look at Yondu, leader of the Ravagers mercenary gang in "Guardians of the Galaxy." The blue space pirate, still played by Michael Rooker, now sports a much larger, much more authentic Mohawk-like fin atop his head, and is set to debut in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2." The change, sure to please "Guardians" enthusiasts who saw original fin as inaccurate, was first seen by audiences in Hall H at Comic-Con International when Rooker joined director James Gunn on stage for the GotG presentation.
Everybody's favorite blue-skinned ravager, @michael_rooker, asked us if it was cheating that this was his favorite Marvel character for the #MarvelPhotoChallenge. What do YOU think?! 😂 (📷: @steveagee) #yondu #GOTGVol2 A photo posted by Marvel Entertainment (@marvel) on
Yondu was introduced to Marvel canon back in 1969 with "Marvel Super-Heroes" vol. 1 #18, in which the character was a founding member of the Guardians of the Galaxy from the Earth-691 multiverse. This original Yondu was designed with blue skin and a massive, fish-like red fin protruding from his head and back.
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While the new design is more in keeping with the style of the original, it's not surprising Marvel Studios opted not to go all the way with a red fish fin. Audiences have been introduced to a Yondu with a cybernetic fauxhawk, and would probably be taken aback if the character suddenly showed up with a completely new look.
Or maybe it's all a running gag and in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" he'll show up with a pompadour. We can only dream.
"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" debuts in theaters May 5, 2017.