Just before the final trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 dropped earlier this week, eagle-eyed fans discovered another superhero who might appear in the sequel. It was revealed via io9 that a Darkhawk action figure is being promoted along with figures of most of the GotG2 heroes. Since this character didn’t appear in the final trailer, could Marvel be saving a surprise appearance until the movie’s release?

Director James Gunn has said that this really isn't the case, explaining that Darkhawk is included because he is one of the Marvel Legends Figures, not because he’ll appear in Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2.

I think it was not very well thought out because I'm getting questions about “Is Darkhawk in the movie because of the Marvel Legends figure? Is Adam Warlock in the movie because of the Marvel Legends figures?” All you need to do is look at the packaging, you guys. On the packaging cover, it says Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 on the figures that are from the movie, and it doesn't say Vol. 2 on the other figures. So that should tell you what's from the movie and what's not. (via CBM)

Of course, this isn't exactly a rebuttal of the rumor. So the director continued on his Twitter account, saying that he’d only confirmed that some Marvel Legends Figures are not Vol. 2 merchandise.

So what can we make of this?

Not that much. Darkhawk isn't essential to the Infinity War storyline, even if he could prove a worthy ally.

But what do you think? Will Darkhawk and/or Adam Warlock appear in Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2?