Marvel sequel in mainland on Friday

LOS ANGELES - After causing havoc in the universe and saving it from destruction, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy are back in a new adventure that takes the unconventional group of friends on a quest to discover their family ties.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, which begins its international rollout over the next week and opens in China on Friday, sees roguish thief Peter Quill, green-skinned warrior Gamora, the muscle-bound Drax, mischievous Rocket Raccoon and baby tree-alien Groot split up after being pursued by a gold-skinned villain named Ayesha.

The plot centers on Quill's long-awaited reunion with his father, an ancient god called Ego (Kurt Russell), who is the life force of a planet, and his tense relationship with his adopted father figure, the fin-headed Yondu (Michael Rooker).