James Gunn says Marvel execs found the plot of Guardians 2 to be risky

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Everyone wants to know what to expect from GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 despite the fact we are still two years away from seeing the film. But, with Marvel plotting out their projects years in advance, writer/director James Gunn already has his plans developing for the follow-up to the second highest grossing film of 2014.

On a recent appearance on Alison Rosen's podcast, Gunn was asked what GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 will be based on to send fans on a furious reading binge of old Marvel Comics. Here is what Gunn had to say.

“It’s not really based on anything. The story for Guardians 2 is an original story that I came up with that I started working on actually while I was shooting Guardians 1, and it’ll answer some of the questions that were put forth in the first movie about Peter Quill’s father and who he is and what’s going on with that. We’ll get to know some of the characters a little bit more and then we’re going to meet a couple of new characters who will be very important to Guardians movies and probably important to the Marvel Universe as a whole.

The identity of Peter Quill's father was teased at the end of the first movie and seemed like a logical choice for the sequel's main plot. Gunn has shared theories and ideas as to the senior Quill's identity but it sounds like it is going to be a big surprise for everyone.

It’s different than what’s in the comic books. Peter Quill’s father is somebody different in the comics. So then when the movie came out, we got green-lit on the sequel right away. I went in and I sat down with those guys and I’m like, ‘Okay, here’s what I think the sequel should be.’ And they were like, ‘Oh, whoa. That’s risky, but okay.’ Now I’m going to turn over the story in a few short weeks and we’ll find out how well it works.”

Marvel has not taken too many risks in the MCU to date outside of the Mandarin twist from IRON MAN 3. While they haven't exactly played it safe, either, I am still intrigued as to what would have made them seem cautious. What we do know is we should trust in James Gunn to deliver something pretty impressive with GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2. Hopefully we learn what other Marvel connections he has in store soon.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 hits theaters on May 5, 2017.