'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' cast rumors: Is Thor in the 'Guardians' sequel? James Gunn addresses casting rumor

Last week, "Guardians of the Galaxy" fans were all abuzz online following what many took to be a tease from director James Gunn that Thor (Chris Hemsworth) from the Avengers could be making a cameo in the upcoming "Guardians" sequel.

On Saturday, June 4, Gunn posted a photo of himself holding Thor's trusty hammer Mjolnir on the set of "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," which is currently in its last two weeks of filming. Gunn unleashed the photo on Facebook and Instagram, where it instantly fueled speculations that the Avenger could show up for a cameo in "Vol. 2."

"Getting ready to hang a painting," Gunn captioned the controversial photo.

While the snap could have meant nothing more than Gunn was goofing around with a movie prop, many chose to take it as a hint that the God of Thunder could somehow cross paths with the Guardians. It's not impossible, after all, as Thor himself comes from a distant part of the galaxy. As several fans noted, this galactic meeting with the ragtag team of misfits-turned-heroes could explain how Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) finds himself back on Earth in the upcoming "Avengers: Infinity War - Part I" (2018).

There is precedence for such a crossover, after all, as the "Thor" franchise and the "Guardians of the Galaxy" films have previously interacted. The mid-credits scene in "Thor: The Dark World" (2013) saw Thor's friends Lady Sif (Jaimie Alexander) and Volstagg (Ray Stevenson) at the Collector's (Benicio del Toro) lair. This proves that the Asgardians are aware of the other alien worlds in the galaxy and can travel there if they wish.

Nonetheless, following the fan frenzy over his photo, the "Guradians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" director set things straight and said that the Avenger won't be making a cameo in the upcoming film.

"No, Thor isn't in Vol. 2 – the props guy just happened to have it around and I decided to take a pic with it," Gunn wrote on Facebook. "Not sure if I'm able to lift it because I'm worthy or because I'm soulless like an elevator."

"GotG Vol 2 is very distinctly its own story, around the Guardians and the cosmic characters, that isn't about the lead in to another film," he said in response to a fan.

Earlier this month, Gunn reiterated his previous comment that there will be no Avengers in "Vol. 2."

"The statement I've made is that there will be no Avengers in GotGVol2," he wrote on Twitter.

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" is scheduled to open May 5, 2017.