With the massive success of Captain America: Civil War, the House of Ideas looks to further capitalize on their cinematic and critical victories. Phase 3 will expand Marvel’s comic book realm beyond the scope of traditional superhero fare. Doctor Strange opens up the world of the occult for the MCU, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will further explore the interstellar adventures of the crew of the Milano.

However, the question on every fan’s mind is, will Star-Lord and his crew fight alongside their superhero brethren in the two part Avengers: Infinity War?

In a recent interview with Nerdist (watch above), writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely explore the Guardian’s role in the as-of-yet untitled Infinity War saga. The biggest news is that, yes, Peter Quill, Groot, Gamora, Nebula, Rocket Racoon, and Drax the Destroyer (or some variety of them) are officially in the next overarching Avengers flick. Markus coyly alludes to the team’s presence, saying:

“Let me put it this way. You know who owns that gauntlet, right. And you know who’s in another movie and his kids are in that movie…you do the math.”

Let’s put the equation into practical terms, shall we. The first Avengers film introduced Thanos to the MCU. His next appearance was in Guardians of the Galaxy (where he was played by Josh Brolin). In addition, his two contentious daughters, Gamora and Nebula show up in Guardians as well. Would Marvel really set up a film where one of their biggest baddies menaces the universe, and his daughters wouldn’t be involved in aiding or stopping their father? That would be poor arithmetic indeed. In the end, the course of events in the MCU adds up to a Guardians presence in one or both films.

If there’s anyone in the Marvel stable who can commit to the involvement of the outer-space action heroes, it’s Markus and McFeely. As the writers of both Civil War and the forthcoming Infinity War saga, they’re responsible (along with Kevin Feige and directors Anthony and Joe Russo) for the mammoth task of pulling together the upcoming MCU films. Since they’re culling material from various comic sources, including the original Infinity War and Infinity Watch, aspects of those comics will likely influence the colossal two-parter. Drax the Destroyer plays a major role in battling Thanos (and Nebula) in the Infinity Watch story arc. If the writers maintain elements of his story, Drax could ape his comic book role and wind up guarding the Power Gem (or stone).

With a rumored character count in the upper 60s, the Guardians’ role isn’t a surprise. The comic book underdogs caught fire, becoming one of the surprise hits of the MCU. Since the Guardians of the Galaxy cast has at least two more entries to their film saga, moving into Phase 4, and Infinity War Part 2 will bring Phase 3 to a close - it makes perfect sense that the Milano’s crew will soar into battle during that world-altering story arc.

Next: Marvel’s Infinity War Writers Discuss Challenges of Thanos Reveal

Captain America: Civil War is in theaters now. Doctor Strange opens November 4, 2016; Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – May 5, 2017; Spider-Man: Homecoming – July 7, 2017; Thor: Ragnarok – November 3, 2017; Black Panther – February 16, 2018; Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 – May 4, 2018; Ant-Man and the Wasp – July 6, 2018; Captain Marvel – March 8, 2019; Avengers: Infinity War Part 2 – May 3, 2019; and as-yet untitled Marvel movies on July 12, 2019, and on May 1, July 10, and November 6 in 2020.

Source: Nerdist