The two stars you won't see in Guardians of the Galaxy 2

Two of Guardians of the Galaxy's big name stars will not be returning for the sequel.

Marvel's upcoming Guardian of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is written and directed by James Gunn and stars an ensemble cast including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper and Glenn Close.

The first film in the series was a box office hit, taking US$773.3 million (NZ$1096.34 million) worldwide and was the highest-grossing superhero film of 2014.

The sequel, which is currently being filmed in Atlanta, will apparently focus on the character of Peter Quill/Star-Lord, played by Pratt, who was abducted from Earth as a child and raised by a group of alien thieves and smugglers called the Ravagers.

John C Reilly played Rhomann Dey in the movie, Guardian of the Galaxy.

In the new film, the Guardians of the Galaxy will help Peter learn more about his father.

Speaking in a Facebook chat, director Gunn confirmed that John C Reilly, who played Rhomann Dey in the first film, will not be returning.

Benicio Del Toro, who played the Collector (and appeared in a post-credits scene after Thor: The Dark World) will also not be in the sequel. Gunn did, however, hint that Benicio may re-appear in other related movies.

Gunn said that while Del Toro "just didn't fit into Volume 2", he is "very excited to see him in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) in the future".

Benicio Del Toro played the Collector in the movie, Guardians of the Galaxy.

Marvel Studios have remained tight-lipped about the plot but Gunn has been more open regarding the narrative of his new film. He told Vulture last week that at its heart, Guardians is a story about "families".

"And if the first film was about him and his mother, this is a story about fathers. So it's exciting to go there," Gunn said.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is set to hit screens next year.

- WENN