Look, Avengers: Infinity War most definitely has me frothing at the mouth in fanboy excitement, but when it comes to Marvel cosmic comic book goodness, there’s only one movie at the top of my list: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. For a long time it was rumoured that writer/director James Gunn’s sequel to his 2014 smash hit may in fact be tackling certain aspects of fan favourite comic book storyline “Planet Hulk”, and with Hulk last seen [SPOILER WARNING] alone on a Quinjet heading off to points unknown at the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron, it was hard not to see the parallels with Planet Hulk’s opening which had Hulk shot off into space by his fellow heroes.
Another rumour that also popped up around GOTG2 was that with the Kree playing such a big role in its corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, that the sequel might serve as a launch platform for the upcoming solo Captain Marvel movie (she’s a US Airforce officer who gains powers after being exposed to Kree technology). Unfortunately, as good as both of those scenarios sound, they ain’t happening!
That’s according to Gunn himself who took to Twitter on Monday to answer some fans’ questions about his upcoming film. Check out all his answers (via CBM) below:
@JamesGunn will there be a new female member of the guardians in volume 2?
— paopao (@uncannyinhumans) September 7, 2015
As I’ve said many times it’s one of my goals to get a higher % of female heroes (and villains) out there. So MAYBE. https://t.co/7IMkswlya1 — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 7, 2015
@JamesGunn @uncannyinhumans I think we may see Hulk in Guardians 2, but I know you couldn’t possibly comment Mr Gunn 😂.
— Mark Holmes (@Holmster79) September 7, 2015
I will comment on it now (as I’ve done before) – there is zero chance you will see Hulk in GotGVol2. https://t.co/C1jNd0ZyVb — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 7, 2015
@JamesGunn we now know that Hulk will not appear in GotG V2 but what about Captain Marvel? What are the chances of her making her MCU debut?
— Wasim Chaudhary (@WasimYChaudhary) September 7, 2015
For the time being, it’s important to me that Quill is the sole human (earthling) character. https://t.co/BYt9av3rQy — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 7, 2015
@JamesGunn How many new characters you would like to take on GotGVol2?
— TheTio (@Thetio10) September 7, 2015
Not too many, that’s for sure! I want all of our characters to get MORE personal time than they did in the 1st film. https://t.co/P7TB9MsSYJ — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 7, 2015
@JamesGunn do you have any particular songs you’d like to hear in Awesome Mix Vol. 2?
— ethan (@ethPS) September 7, 2015
Yes, I have 12. And we are currently getting all the rights. https://t.co/oPJky4rGlG — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 7, 2015
So no Hulk, no Captain Marvel, no gigantic cast, but some new female characters? Gotcha. My guess was always that Gunn would be giving us the MCU version of Adam Warlock (who will be a fantastic addition to the universe) and that hasn’t changed, but if had to hazard a guess at a new female character it has to be Mantis, the “Celestial Madonna”. Her powerset and quirkiness will fit in perfectly with the tone of the Guardians movies, although they make tweak her appearance as another badass green skinned alien may be a tad confusing.
Of course it could also be either Phyla-Vell, the artificially created offspring of the original Kree hero Captain Marvel, or Moondragon, the daughter of Arthur Douglas, whose spirit was used to create the artificial being known as Drax the Destroyer. Clearly, those comic book origins don’t line up with the movie version at all so all of that would need to change.
Also, we should probably not hold out hope for other popular members of the Guardians comic book roster like Vance Astro or Jack Flag showing up, seeing as how they’re both Earthlings as well. I’m okay with those, but that also means no Richard Rider aka Nova. Damn it, Gunn! Now you’re messing with my feelings.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 is scheduled for release on May 5, 2017.
Last Updated: September 9, 2015