'Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2' Release Date, Cast & News: Marvel's Mantis Confirmed, Star-Lord's Father Not As Expected, Director James Gunn Hits Out At Hollywood Over 'Deadpool'

"Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2" is shaping up nicely with new cast members finally confirmed by director James Gunn. "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2" will be joined by "Big Trouble In Little China" star Kurt Russell, "Oldboy" actress Pom Klementieff, "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." actress Elizabeth Debicki and "The Drop" actor Chris Sullivan. In the meantime, Gunn is giving fans more to read about besides updates to "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2," with his recent "appeal" to Hollywood executives in relation to "Deadpool" success in the box office.

According to Cinema Blend, fans have been keeping a close watch on Kurt Russell confirming to be cast for "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2." Reports have been tagging Russell to play the part of Peter Quill/Star-Lord's estranged father. Whether Russell comes in as Jason of Spartax, Emperor of the Spartoi Empire, or as a different dad version remains to be seen. Cinema Blend quoted an interview by James Gunn where Gunn expressed that the "Guardians Of The Galaxy" movie will depart hugely from Marvel's comic book version.

"There have been a lot of documents passed around about who Peter Quill's father is between a select two or three of us," Gunn said. "That's been part of the plan since the beginning, that's something I had to work out before we shot the screenplay. We wanted to make sure Yondu's place in everything made sense and it does, so it's all very specific stuff. It's definitely not the character who it is in the comics, I'll say that much."

While Debicki and Sullivan's roles are yet to be confirmed, Pom Klementieff as Mantis in "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2" is welcome news. Mantis, however is not an exclusive to "Guardians Of The Galaxy" and has been seen as a frequent part of "Avengers" universe. This may mean that fans will see Mantis surface beyond "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2."

The Guardian reports that James Gunn has also been making his mark felt, not just with "Guardians Of The Galaxy." Gunn reacted to a comment by a Hollywood executive that appeared on Deadline Hollywood. According to Gunn, the exec misread the reason why "Deadpool" grossed big time, despite its R-rating. Gunn took to Facebook to express his disapproval.

"Deadpool was its own thing, THAT'S what people are reacting to," Gunn wrote. "It's original, it's damn good, it was made with love by the filmmakers, and it wasn't afraid to take risks.

"For the theatrical experience to survive, spectacle films need to expand their definition of what they can be," Gunn said further. "They need to be unique and true voices of the filmmakers behind them. They can't just be copying what came before them."

"Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2" will be released in theaters on April 25, 2017. Share your thoughts with us in the comment box below.