Now This Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Trailer Is More Like It

Back when the first Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 trailer came out, I was one of the few people who felt slightly underwhelmed by the brief sneak peek. Granted I still LIKED the trailer — after all, the Guardians of the Galaxy universe, at its worst, seems impossible to at the very least not enjoy. Still though, with its second effort at bat, I was really hoping for something more unique and memorable.

Thankfully, the second Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 trailer did not disappoint. By now you’ve probably already seen it for yourself, since the trailer was released a few days ago smack dab in the middle of the weekend, but hey…why not watch it again? It’s certainly worth the two minutes

Yes, this is certainly a big improvement over the last trailer in my eyes, and pretty much fixed every problem I had with the first look at the superhero sequel. Well that trailer seemed fully intent on capitalizing on the familiarity of the characters by almost literally showing them in the same exact spotlight (‘memba Hooked on a Feeling?), this trailer does a much better job of balancing the old and the new.

Like any good sequel trailer, it certainly has enough of the old flavor to entice: a similar tone, the same fun characters, etc. But unlike the first trailer, I really think this new one does a good job of expanding upon the universe, and feeling like a new chapter in it rather than just a nostalgic retread. The end introduction of Mantis certainly feels that way, as does a grander use of the scene-stealer that is Baby Groot (yes, he speaks, and yes, it is the cutest)

Of course the main appeal though is the jokes, and this trailer improves upon that front too. While the first trailer had that humorous exchange between Star Lord and Drax as its center, this trailer doubles down with a lot of really funny moments between Rocket and Baby Groot. But once again it was Drax that stole the show, as his reaction to the very public unveiling of Quill’s “sexual love” for Gamora made me laugh harder than I have in weeks. It had a real “Channing Tatum in 21 Jump Street” vibe to it, and of all the characters that feature in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, these trailers have really started to make me excited for what’s to come with Drax.

But of course I’m excited to see what will happen with this sequel overall — I always knew I would be, but that it would take a great trailer to really put me over the top. Thankfully, it only took two trailers to get one.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will be hitting theaters on May 4, 2017.