GotG2 director / writer James Gunn has been doing a great job keeping fans updated with all sorts of info about his upcoming cinematic venture.

He was the one who confirmed Nebula will return for GotG2, but also pointed out we won't be seeing Ronan in the keenly awaited sequel.

Now, with a plot yet to be revealed, we can all wonder what will come down in GotG2. Gunn hinted at introducing a new guardian, but no word about the central villain of the sequel.

And those of you who've been hoping to see Kang the Conqueror or the Shi'ar Empire on screen, well, you can take that off your chest: they won't appear in GotG2, as Gunn would have us believe.

Gunn on Shi'ar and Kang

Indeed, the news comes straight from James Gunn. Check out the details!

And it's delivered via his Facebook page.

If you don't feel like scrolling down to see the answer, this is what writer-director of GotG2 replies when asked if he's planning to use the Empire or Kang in the movie:

"Shi'ar and Kang are both owned by Fox. All decisions about who is in GotG2 were made a long time ago".

It's clear enough: everything is in place with GotG2, character-wise. But did you hear a clear "no" here? Did Gunn actually say neither Shi'ar Empire or Kang the Conqueror would be part of Guardians of the Galaxy 2?

Why Shi'ar and Kang could, though, appear in GotG2

Sure, the fact both Shi'ar and Kang are owned by Fox is a big thorn in side, but that doesn't mean a deal was not struck. Or that Marvel can't do as they did with Quicksilver: craft their own version of Kang or of Shi'ar and let the pieces fall where they may.

Now, what do you guys think? Do you read Gunn's statement as a confirmation Kang and Shi'ar won't appear in GotG2? Or is he dodging the answer?

Have your say below! And stay tuned, we'll bring you the hottest scoop on all things GotG2!