James Gunn is — unsurprisingly — playing things pretty close to the vest with Guardians of the Galaxy 2, and while he’s addressed several fan questions via social media, he’s only mostly told us who and what won’t be in the sequel. But now we know someone new who most definitely is joining Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana and the rest of the Guardians in their next adventure, and she’s not a name you’re likely to recognize.

THR reports that French-Canadian actress Pom Klementieff (what an incredible name) has joined the lineup for Guardians of the Galaxy 2 in — what else — a mystery role. Klementieff has mostly worked in French cinema, though she did have a supporting role in Spike Lee’s underwhelming Oldboy remake, playing the partner / bodyguard of Sharlto Copley’s unsavory antagonist. Klementieff showed off her fighting prowess in Oldboy, which makes her a nice fit for the Guardians universe.

Klementieff was cast following a very, very wide search for an Asian actress, but which character would require an actor of this specific ethnicity? Rumors have circulated previously that Guardians of the Galaxy 2 may include Mantis, a skilled martial artists with the ability to telepathically communicate with plants. Mantis has had ties to both the Avengers and the Guardians, and it was rumored at one point that the mysterious woman in the cave from the Avengers: Age of Ultron trailer (you know, the character who was ultimately cut from the film?) might be Mantis.

That rumor never panned out, but with the character’s name popping up in the occasional Avengers / Guardians rumor mill over the last year or so, it wouldn’t be surprising if this is who Klementieff is playing.

Guardians of the Galaxy 2 will begin shooting early next year for a May 5, 2017 release date.

 

More From ComicsAlliance