Kurt Russell joins Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Now that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is officially filming, Marvel has confirmed that Kurt Russell has joined the film's cast.

Rumors started floating around in December that Russell was in talks to join the film as the father of Peter "Star-Lord" Quill, but neither Marvel or Russell ever commented on the role.

Although the press release doesn't specify what Russell's role will be in the film, it is the first confirmation the company has given that he will definitely be involved.

Official photography on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has started, and I couldn't be more stoked. My favorite movie as a small child was The Strongest Man in the World, so I'm glad to announce that, yes, Kurt Russell has joined our cast and, yes, he is more awesome a dude than I ever could have imagined. The last few days around here with him and our other new cast members, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, and Chris Sullivan, have been some of the best of my life. I never thought anyone was missing from our island of misfit toys, but now that these folks are here there feels like there was. Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sean Gunn, and Glenn Close are all returning. We'll have more surprises for you in the coming months. But, for now, this will have to do. I have to get back to set! Have a great day, everybody.

A photo posted by James Gunn (@jamesgunn) on Feb 17, 2016 at 6:01am PST

New actors Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki and Chris Sullivan were also confirmed for the sequel, but like Russell, their roles were left unidentified.

They'll join returning Guardians Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Zoe Saldana and Dave Bautista. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2., written and directed by James Gunn, will be released May 5, 2017.