James Gunn Says Sylvester Stallone Will Play A Big Role In The MCU's Future

04/25/2017 10:33 pm EDT

Spoilers for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 below! Only look if you want to know.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the latest blockbuster from Marvel Studios, is set to include a myriad of cameos. One that has caught the attention of fans essentially since it was announced was Sylvester Stallone. The action movie star and household name was a surprising inclusion to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially considering how much mystery surrounded his role in the film.

And now that his role in the film is beginning to be revealed - as the film holds its premieres and debuts internationally - fans are beginning to wonder if he will return to the world of Marvel.

It was known for quite some time that Stallone's role in the film is a member of the Ravagers, the group of space pirates established in the first film. But, as it turns out, he's not just any Ravager - he's Stakar, a.k.a. Starhawk.

Given Starhawk's significance within the Marvel unvierse, and his title as one of the original Guardians of the Galaxy, it would be expected that audiences haven't seen the last of Stallone's portrayal.

And according to Vol. 2's director, James Gunn, that might actually be the case.

"My plan is to see more of him," Gunn explained to the Toronto Sun. "I'm not sure about him appearing in Vol. 3, we'll have to see about that, but it's our plan to see more of Stallone. Kevin [Feige] and I are working on what is going to become of the Marvel Cosmic Universe and where it's going to go. We plan to see the rest of them in the future."

Given what has been previously said about subsequent Guardians sequels, this totally lines up. Not only has Stallone said that he expects to return to the MCU, but Gunn has hinted that the team's current lineup will change after Vol. 3, possibly ushering in a more substantial role for Stallone as a member of the present-day Guardians.

"It's my plan to have Sly," Gunn continued. "And I talked to him last night — to find a place for him in the future of the Marvel Universe."

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is in theaters May 5.

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·James Gunn Keeps Its Secret Easter Egg From The Cast
·Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 Review | Round-Up

Set to the backdrop of 'Awesome Mixtape #2,' Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2continues 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).

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