"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," the follow-up to the blockbuster hit that chronicles the adventures of the lovable motley crew of space guardians, is well underway. Director James Gunn has revealed that he is now off to Atlanta for the pre-production of the highly-anticipated film. 

This doesn't mean that filming will commence though. As per Screenrant, this part of the preparation only involves building sets for the movie. Gunn emphasized via the said publication that these will be "giant" sets so this early, the crew is already assembling them. 

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" will see the return of Star-Lord and the gang for another crazy escapade. Gunn has already revealed that Peter Quill's family background will be explored in the film and so will the origin of the gun-toting intelligent raccoon, Rocket. 

Meanwhile, the director also said that the protectors of the galaxy will welcome another guardian to the club. He did not say who it will be but he went ahead and stated that Nova will not be that person. 

Nova is a member of the Nova Corps, an intergalactic police force. There, he becomes a superhuman that possesses increased strength, the ability to fly and to resist injury. While his resume seems to fit the bill, Gunn emphasized he won't join Quill and the gang. 

"They will get a new team member such as someone who is not Nova," the director tweeted to a fan. He also emphasized this a few months back during an interview with Screenrant, saying that it isn't the right moment to have Nova around. 

"I don't want Nova right now because I think Quill being the only earthling is important. That serves the entire movie going audience and not just the handful of Nova fans. Sorry if that upsets you," Gunn said.

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" will be released on May 5, 2017. Filming officially begins in February next year.