The Marvel Universe is full of odd and strange characters. We’ve met quite a few already just in the first Guardians of the Galaxy film. I mean, talking raccoons and trees? Weird yet awesome. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is sure to introduce a bevy of new and bewildering characters as well. So let’s take a look at one of the main characters of the upcoming sequel. It’s time to get to know Ego the Living Planet.
Image: Marvel
Ego was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and made his comic book debut in Thor #132 1966. He’s faced off with Thor, the Fantastic Four, Silver Surfer, the Nova Corps, and even Professor X. His powers include… well, he’s a planet. He has immeasurable intelligence and incalculable strength. He can fly through space at warp speed. He’s known as a “living planet” which means he has total control over his mass down to the molecular level. This means he can change his appearance, like making it look as though he’s got a giant face on his surface. He can appear as a paradise to lure in travelers or a barren wasteland to which he can create plants or humanoid bodies.
According to Ego, he was created as a result of a scientist merging with a planet when said planet’s sun went supernova. However, he was actually created by the Stranger as a science experiment. The Stranger created two sentient bodies, the other being Alter-Ego who was held captive by the Collector since birth. The two are forced to fight but before Ego can kill his brother, Thor steps in and saves him. The remnants of Alter-Ego become a moon for Ego and they begin traveling together.
Image: Marvel
Ego is obsessed with interstellar conquest. He absorbs ships and other worlds to survive and consume energy. Galactus (another entity who consumes planets) was weakened and in an effort to sustain his life force he attempts to eat Ego. Thor comes to his rescue, and the two fight Galactus off. To thank Thor, Ego allows his surface to become a new home for the Wanderers who were left planet-less after Galactus consumed their home world billions of years ago. Ego would eventually consume them all thus solidifying his nasty bad guy nature.
How will Ego appear in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2? He’ll be in the form of Kurt Russell. This version of Ego will be his human form. According to some rumors we might not even see him in planet form. Not only will Russell be playing the living planet, but Ego will also be revealed as Peter Quill’s father. After the Nova Corp revealed to Quill that he’s only part human and that his father is something ancient and unknown. We also know that Ego has raised Mantis, another character we’ll be introduced to in this film.
Check it: The Ego costume, played by Kurt Russell in @Guardians! #gotgvol2 #MarvelSDCC pic.twitter.com/PYSYDqlOad
— Ryan Penagos (@AgentM) July 24, 2016
We’re going to have to wait until May 5th to find out the details of the MCU version of Ego, but the casting of Kurt Russell is extremely exciting.
