The sequel to Marvel’s third-highest grossing film, Guardians Of The Galaxy 2 will add new members to the superhero team’s initial roster of Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Gamora, Drax the Destroyer, and Groot, according to James Gunn.

In a recent interview with Variety, director and writer of Guardians of the Galaxy, James Gunn said, “It’s going to be a really surprising open.

What happens is all the characters are killed in the first 10 minutes, joked Gunn. In really horribly brutal fashion.”

He then goes on the confirm that the initial roster would return for round two, along with other characters from the first film and some new team members.

“I spent all day on Aug. 1, the day the first movie was released, writing Guardians 2. I was so excited about it and I was finally able to let go of the last one and begin the second one. I always saw this as a universe, not just as one story,” he added.

He also talks about the upcoming Blu-ray/DVD release of Guardians Of The Galaxy, which features director’s commentary, deleted scenes, exclusive look at Avengers: Age of Ultron, & more.

Gunn explains his favorite scene ‘Rocket Raccoon’s fake laugh,’ “In the long version of the scene where Rocket is laughing at Quill, Quill gets very offended by that and takes a vote of the other Guardians to see who thinks that the laugh is fake.

It’s a pretty fake laugh, and I think Rocket gets hurt that Groot goes against him.”

If you are hoping for a Star Wars crossover, Gunn says, “Star Wars was a long time ago. It would have to be time travel.”

Which characters would you like to see introduced in the sequel? Sound off in the comments below.

Guardians of the Galaxy has earned a worldwide total of $732.7 million ($327.9M in North America and $404.8M in other countries), becoming the third highest grossing Marvel Studios film, behind The Avengers and Iron Man 3.

Guardians of the Galaxy Blu-ray/DVD hits stores on December 9, 2014. GOTG 2 is set for July 28, 2017 release.

Source: Variety.