Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 Star On Why Its Ending Isn't Sad

06/26/2017 05:29 pm EDT

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 hit theaters earlier this year, and surprised fans in many different ways. In particular, many felt that the film ending (not counting the several post-credit scenes) on the funeral of Yondu (Michael Rooker) left audiences on a rather melancholic note.

But according to Sean Gunn, who plays Yondu's former sidekick and Guardians team member Kraglin, the conclusion of the film is intended to conjure up optimistic emotions as well.

"I think that while it may have seemed melancholic, it's certainly sad with how it ends from Yondu's perspective." Gunn explained in a recent interview with CinemaBlend. "But I think that the principal arc of the movie as a whole is the idea that the Guardians are a family, and they're a family that's trying to learn how to stay together and to be a family. And from that perspective, it's actually a very happy ending because they are all together at the end of the movie. Yes it's Yondu's death that brings them together, but they're all there. "

Gunn, who is the brother of Guardians director/writer James Gunn, also serves as the on-set actor for Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper). According to the actor, the film's ending also says a lot about the emotional journey of Rocket.

"Rocket in particular has to learn that he's not alone. I think that even though he finds the friends in the first movie, it's pretty clear that Rocket still feels alone for most of the second movie, and that's why end on his face, is that I think that he's learned to be more of a family member to everyone. So from that point of view, I think there's an uplifting element of it, even though it's sad because of the death."

With the emotional weight given to that ending, fans can expect to see a different side of the Guardians of the Galaxy in future installments, particularly with their appearances in next year's Avengers: Infinity War.

MORE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: Awesome Mix Vol. 2 Getting Vinyl And Cassette Release / Beast Kingdom Shows Off Their Exclusive Star-Lord Figure / New Concept Art Reveals Alternate Ego Design / James Gunn Reveals His Growing Responsibility Within The MCU

Set to the backdrop of 'Awesome Mixtape #2,' Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team's adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill's true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes' aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is written and directed by James Gunn (Slither). The film marks the return of the original Guardians, including Chris Pratt (Jurassic World) as Peter Quill/Star-Lord; Zoe Saldana (Star Trek Into Darkness) as Gamora; Dave Bautista (Spectre) as Drax; Vin Diesel (Furious 7) as the voice of Groot; Bradley Cooper (American Sniper) as the voice of Rocket; Michael Rooker (Jumper) as Yondu; Karen Gillan (The Big Short) as Nebula; and Sean Gunn (Gilmore Girls) as Kraglin. New cast members include Pom Klementieff (Oldboy), Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby, Everest), Chris Sullivan (The Knick, The Drop) and Kurt Russell (The Hateful Eight, The Thing).

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is in theaters now. Spider-Man: Homecoming lands on July 7, 2017, followed by Thor: Ragnarok on November 3, 2017. After that Black Panther debuts on February 16, 2018, while Avengers: Infinity War hits theaters on May 4, 2018. Ant-Man and the Wasp is slated for July 6, 2018, followed by Captain Marvel on March 8, 2019.

Disclosure: ComicBook is owned by CBS Interactive, a division of Paramount. Sign up for Paramount+ by clicking here.