Long before its release, Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy was considered by many, including ourselves, to be a potential flop. How wrong we were, The movie went on to become the summer blockbuster of last year, the third most successful Marvel Studios movie to date, and has amassed a cult following, including ourselves. Recently, and unsurprisingly, Marvel Studios pressident Kevin Feige announced during the MCU Phase 3 line up presentation that not only was a sequel in the works, but its release date had been brought forward to May 5th 2017. Here's a List of 10 things to expect in Guardians of the Galaxy 2...
#1 The A-Holes Return
All of the main cast are set to return; that's Jurassic World's Chris Pratt as Peter Quill aka Starlord, Star Trek: Into Darkness' Zoe Saldana as Gamora, American Sniper star Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon, Fast and Furious 7 star Vin Diesel as Groot, and his Riddick co-star Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer.
#2 More A-Holes May Return
Doctor Who's Karen Gillan and The Walking Deads Michael Rooker are set to return as Nebula and Yondu, respectively. Rumored, though not confirmed to return are the Wolfmans' Benicio del Toro as the Collector and Goonie star Josh Brolin as Thanos.
#3 Starlord Senior
Director and co-writer James Gunn has confirmed that the sequel will feature Peter Quills father, but that it will not be J'son of Spartax, as in the comics. Whomever Gunn decides will be Quills father, expect some truly inspired casting from Marvel Studios casting department - Possibly Hollywood legend Al Pacino.
#4 One More A-Hole Please
James Gunn has confirmed that there will a new addition to the team in the sequel, but has denounced the possibility of it being Nova or Captain Marvel. Taking into account that the cocoon seen in the Collectors gallery is shown to be empty and open by the movies post credits teaser, we suspect the new member will be Adam Warlock.
#5 In Development
Recently James Gunn confirmed that he has completed the treatment for the sequel and handed it over to the fat cats at Marvel Studios; additionally Gunn has begun work on the script with co-writer Nicole Perlman. Production is scheduled to begin in February next year at Pinewood Atlanta Studios, recently used for the production of Ant-Man, and is currently being used for the production of Captain America: Civil War.
#6 Shared Universe
To date, most of the movies that make up the MCU have many weaving links to other characters; be it Tony Starks bro-mance with Bruce Banner, or Black Widows supporting roles in Iron Man 2 and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Last years Guardians of The Galaxy seemingly only connected to Thor: The Dark World, but infinity Wars on the horizon we expect the sequel will have more links to the wider MCU.
#7 Cosmic Universe
James Gunn has confirmed that he intends to expand more upon the cosmic universe glimpsed upon in the first movie, exploring more of Kree and Xandarian cultures, among others, fleshing out the galaxy we the fans want to see more of.
#8 A-Holes Assemble
With next months Avengers: Age of Ultron and next years Captain America: Civil War set to upset the current dynamic between the earths mightiest heroes, it is highly probable, and likely, that some or all of the Guardians will make up the roster of the Avengers come the two part Avengers sequel; Avengers: Infinity War. Expect Guardians of the Galaxy 2 to tease this.
#9 Infinity & Beyond
Although we doubt a tongue-in-cheek appearance of Buzz Lightyears iconic spacesuit will appear in the sequel, we do expect to see yet another Infinity Stone being the centrepiece of the sequels narrative; especially since the Guardians are now aware of the threat the stones represent.
#10 Cosmic Nostalgic
Last summers Guardians of the Galaxy had it all, explosive action, side splitting humor, mind blowing special effects, relatable characters and a well woven narrative. But for somewhat more mature fans, Guardians also had a stellar soundtrack reportedly hand picked by director James Gunn featuring the likes of Jackson 5, 10cc, Marvin Gaye and David Bowie. We expect the sequels mix tape to be as good if not better.
