'Guardians Of The Galaxy 2' Release Date Announced By Marvel Before 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' Movie Airs: Huge Gamble By Superhero Powerhouse [PHOTO]

Even though the first movie hasn't even been released yet, "Guardians of the Galaxy 2" already has a July, 28 2017 release date planned. 

The news was announced during the Marvel panel at 2014 Comic-Con on Saturday (July 26) via a video message from the film's star Chris Pratt and director James Gunn, both of whom who will return for the sequel.

Josh Brolin has been confirmed to play super villain Thanos and will feature in both "Avengers: Age of Ultron" and "Guardians of the Galaxy 2."

Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, and Dave Bautista all star alongside Chris Pratt.

Writer and director James Gunn confirmed the news Saturday via Twitter: "Yes, I'm writing and directing the sequel to #GuardiansoftheGalaxy ... But first go see the first one out next week!" 

Yes, I'm writing and directing the sequel to #GuardiansoftheGalaxy for theaters July 28 2017. But first go see the first one out next week!

The Huffington Post notes this comes as a big surprise since, just this month, Marvel announced plans for six other new films."It was expected that the studio would perhaps announce a few of those titles during its Comic-Con presentation on Saturday night, but only one name was revealed: 'Guardians of the Galaxy 2.'

Not only that - but Marvel is taking a pretty big leap of faith with plans of a sequel when the first movie hasn't even been released.  

But The Verge points out, "apparently Marvel thinks that fans are really going to love it." And based on critic reviews - they just might. 

And Daily Mirror calls it "a chaotic sci-fi ride bursting with smart humour."

Bradley Cooper: "I just hope people like it and enjoy it. You never know how it's going to do. The temperature of the audience." (Via The Insider) 

 "Guardians of the Galaxy" opens to the public Friday, Aug 1.