While it was recently confirmed that
James Gunn would be returning to helm the third installment of
Guardians of the Galaxy, the director seemed very uncertain about doing it for a long time, a notion he was fairly vocal about in interviews. Now that
Vol. 2 has released worldwide, Gunn revealed in a Facebook Live chat that the reason he almost didn't return was because he would have to make a film without his friend and star, Michael Rooker.
"Let me tell you, there was nothing harder for me than the choice to kill Yondu in this movie. Michael Rooker, for all the crap I give him, is one of my closest friends in the world and the last thing I wanted to do was to make a movie without Michael Rooker in the future. I almost didn’t do Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 because there was no Michael Rooker in it and I couldn’t see making the movie without him. He means that much to me and I love him that much."
In addition, some new concept art has made its way online via artist Kevin Chen, showcasing some alternate designs for
Ego (Kurt Russell) and
Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki). Check them out below and let us know what you think!