I don't know if you know this, but Jeff Goldblum was big in the '80s. And Guardians of the Galaxy is big on the '80s. Logically, it follows that Goldblum and the Guardians are a match made in heaven. This blessed union is on display in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 — at least in the credits — but it's not because of GotG 2's obsession with the '80s (see: David Hasselhoff). If you're scratching your head wondering why Jeff Goldblum is in the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 credits, then you clearly haven't seen the trailer for Thor: Ragnarok. Spoilers ahead!
Goldblum makes his Marvel Cinematic debut in the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 end credits in character as the Grandmaster, a character previously teased in the Thor: Ragnarok trailer. Before you get too excited, Goldblum's entire appearance is just him dancing during the credits — Goldblum has no lines and reveals nothing about his character in Ragnarok. Still, when Goldblum dances, it's cause for some rejoicing and some major Ragnarok speculating. Might Goldblum's dancing appearance hint at a connection between the Thor franchise and the Guardians? In the GotG 2 credits, he is seen dancing alongside the Guardians, suggesting a relationship. Could it be that the Grandmaster has his eye on Star-Lord, Gamora, Baby Groot, Rocket, and Drax? Sadly, it seems that Goldblum's cameo in GotG 2 is just a fun Easter Egg.
In the comics, The Grandmaster doesn't have a particular connection to the Guardians. However, his appearance might be a wink to fans who had hoped for the Grandmaster to have a role in the film. In 2016, a story spread claiming that Goldblum's Grandmaster would be featured in GotG 2 alongside The Collector (as played by Benicio del Toro). Both The Grandmaster and The Collector are Elders of the Universe, ancient beings who were first evolved after the universe's inception, and an early rumor claimed that they would spearhead an Elders plot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, according to CBR. Gunn personally shot down those reports on Twitter, but Goldblum's cameo could be seen as a nod to those early rumors.
The Grandmaster doesn't play a big role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, but maybe fans will get to see The Grandmaster and The Collector share the screen one day. If not in the next Guardians movie, then in some other MCU installment. In the meantime, at least we get to see Goldblum bust a move.
