Marvel continues to aim high in their casting, and why not? The studio is on a winning streak, and with firm footholds at the multiplex, on television, and in the streaming realm, they can provide a breakthrough role for upcoming talent, or an interesting blockbuster experience for seasoned, respected actors. One has to look no further than the brewing “Doctor Strange” and its remarkable cast of Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton, Rachel McAdams, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. But sometimes the big swings don’t connect. Joaquin Phoenix was pursued for “Doctor Strange” and things didn’t pan out, and the studio went after other big star for their brewing “Guardians Of The Galaxy 2” but couldn’t land him either.
READ MORE: James Gunn Says Marvel Thinks His Story For ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy 2’ Is “Risky”
Variety reveals that Matthew McConaughey turned down an unspecified villain role in the James Gunn directed sequel. It’s perhaps not a surprise given that McConaughey has his choice of fulfilling roles due to his McConnaissance, and perhaps he isn’t interested in being bogged down in a potential multi-picture contract with Marvel. But the movie moves on steadily without him with as THR reports that Pom Klementieff (Spike Lee‘s “Oldboy“) has snagged a key, unnamed role in ‘Guardians 2,’ joining Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, and Dave Bautista, and along with the voices of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel.
Production on “Guardians Of The Galaxy 2” begins in early 2016 and it will open on May 5, 2017.
10/29 Update: Deadline reveals that Pom Klementieff will be playing Mantis.