“When you play a character who they love and are amused by, hopefully they’ll see more of you,” Close told USA Today. “Especially at this point in my career, it’s fantastic. To be in the beginning of literally a whole new universe for people is really fun.”

While an ensemble that includes a talking tree and a wise-cracking space raccoon may be off-putting for some prestigious actresses of her caliber, Close has nothing but praise for the whimsical tone and unique characters in theGuardians universe.

“You don’t only get introduced into this wonderful world that has a look all unto its own, but the characters make you laugh,” she said. “You feel some sort of empathy toward them, and people love that and want it.”

“I love to do stuff that’s different. For me with acting, I take it to its basic: It’s literally playing. Even in the darkest thing, you have to know how to play as an actor and as an artist. These movies really bring that out in people.”

The sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy is slated to release on Jul. 28, 2017. While Close’s participation in the film has yet to be officially confirmed, the presence of the Nova Corps and her Nova Prime character throughout the Guardians comic series means she will very likely reprise the role.