Marvel is not messing around when it comes to including as many superheroes as possible in Avengers: Infinity War. The film already boasts all of the original Avengers, Doctor Strange, Vision, Scarlet Witch, the Guardians, and a multitude of other characters from past films. Now ScreenCrush has revealed Mantis will appear in Avengers: Infinity War too.
But just who is Mantis? Well, she's an empath who rocks some cool antennae and is set to make her Marvel movieverse premiere in Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2. She briefly appears in a scene at the end of the movie's trailer where she embarrasses Star Lord by revealing he is in love with Gamora, much to Drax's amusement. That brief scene made it seem like Mantis would have a relatively small role, but the news she will be joining the massive Infinity War cast list suggests her appearance is more substantial than it appears.
Mantis actor Pom Klementieff was the first to reveal her Infinity War involvement, and she did it in the best way — by teasing comic fans with the cover of a comic reminding them Mantis has a rich history as an Avenger in the pages of the comics. She followed her first post up with one featuring her photo and #InfinityWar.
It will be May before the world meets the Mantis of the movieverse in Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol 2., but in the world of the comics, the character has been around for more than 40 years. While her backstory and abilities have went through a number of transformations over the years, there are two key elements of her character that could lead to an interesting role in the Avengers: Infinity War — she can talk to plants (yay, for having someone other than Rocket who can communicate with Groot!) and she has a close relationship with Vision. Add in her ability to read people's emotions, and you have a character who could expose anyone with less than good intentions with just a touch of her hand.
By far, the best part of Mantis' involvement is the continued expansion of the Marvel movies into the worlds beyond Earth. Like the Guardians, Thor, and Doctor Strange, Mantis is downright otherworldly in her abilities. The Infinity War is a crisis effecting the entire universe, so it only makes sense for characters like Mantis to play a role in the battle to come.
Given the sheer scope of Avengers: Infinity War, it is unlikely Mantis will have a huge role, but just having her appear establishes her as another hero the movies can expand upon in the future. As long as you love empathetic aliens who can kick butt and talk to plant life, then Mantis joining the latest Avengers film is news worth celebrating.
