With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 being the fifteenth feature film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, many are wondering exactly how the film will factor into the larger slate of films. Seeing as the epic Avengers: Infinity War – which is set to feature many of the Guardians members – will debut in 2018, it would seem like a logical step to have some plot point in Vol. 2 set up the later film.
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While, of course, that set up could be done through a mid or post-credits scene, Vol. 2‘s director, James Gunn, has reassured that it will not happen within the actual film. Gunn spoke to Complex to promote his new film The Belko Experiment, but he briefly touched on Vol. 2 as well.
“It’s a very self-enclosed story,” Gunn explained. “I deal with the Marvel guys every day on where we’re going forward. But basically the story [in Vol. 2] is about the Guardians and it has no connection to the rest of the Marvel universe and none were ever mandated.”
According to Gunn, the massive scale of the MCU has not gotten in the way of him having creative freedom with both Guardians films.
“I think people, in general, probably overestimate the amount of overall planning there is with the Marvel universe.” Gunn reassured. “At the end of the day, we’re telling a long-form story that has many different moving parts and within those stories there’s a lot of freedom to do what you want. And I’ve been lucky in that the most creatively fulfilling freeing experience I’ve ever had making a film has been on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Without a doubt.”
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).
MORE: Important Yondu Clue In Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 Trailer? / First Good Look At Taserface / James Gunn On Guardians of the Galaxy Working With The Avengers
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on May 5, 2017.
