Here's Why The Collector Won't Appear In Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2

04/04/2017 02:43 pm EDT

The first Guardians of the Galaxy added a lot of cosmic elements to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. James Gunn's movie featured the ragtag heroes going up against a defected Kree Accuser in the form of Ronan.

It also introduced us to the Nova Corps, took us to the intergalactic prison the Kyln, hinted at the Celestials, AND gave the biggest reveal of the Mad Titan Thanos.

But it also introduced the Elders of the Universe, namely the Collector played by Benicio Del Toro.

While Jeff Goldblum will play another member of the Elders, the Grandmaster, in Thor: Ragnarok, fans have been wondering if Del Toro would reappear in a Marvel movie down the line. And with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2's imminent release, the director spoke about his potential involvement.

"I just talked to Benicio a couple weeks ago," Gunn said on a Facebook Live stream. "He's a great actor, a great guy. The Collector wasn't right for the story of Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 because, although it's an incredibly enormous film, it's a much smaller film in certain ways with few characters. So, he just didn't fit in."

UP NEXT: Bautista Describes How Mantis And Drax Are Alike

Guardians Vol. 2 is building off of what came before by going further outward into the weird and wonderful. Not only will the film expand the roles of Nebula and Yondu, but it will be introducing new allies in Mantis, a new father figure in Ego, and a new villain in Ayesha.

While they probably could have made time to check in on the Collector and the newly escaped Howard the Duck, it might not fit as well with the tone and direction of the new movie.

Gunn has made it clear that Guardians is about exploring and moving forward in the Marvel Universe; going backward just wouldn't work.

But if rumors are to be believed, we might be seeing Del Toro's portrayal of the Collector pretty soon; he was spotted near the set of Avengers: Infinity War during its production in Atlanta.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 hits theaters May 5.

Are you excited to check out Star-Lord's Awesome Mix Vol. 2? Let us know with your vote in the anticipation rankings below!

MORE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2: James Gunn Reveals Why Bradley Cooper Doesn't Play Rocket On Set / Baby Groot Won't Have Any Of Groot's Memories / Pom Klementieff Reveals How Mantis' Powers Work

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).

[h/t] CinemaBlend

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