Speculation that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 could be a prequel to Avengers: Infinity War has abounded recently. Now, actor Chris Pratt has teased the possibility of the film being a prequel, although writer/director James Gunn insists that it's not.“They’ve cast the Blue Man Group," Pratt told MTV. "It’s going to be all Blue Man Group. I’m not supposed to say anything. Now everyone’s going to be mad. It’s the Blue Man Group. It’s an Andy Griffith hologram. They’re the new Guardians."RELATED: Could Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Actually Be An Infinity War Prequel?When asked about the team mourning Gamora's death in Infinity War, Pratt responded, "You don’t know. It might take place in the past. It could be a prequel.”

Pratt's statements are almost certainly jokes meant to help him remain evasive regarding the future of the franchise after Avengers 4.

Although Pratt played coy about the film's setting, Gunn gave a clear answer to a fan on Twitter, saying, "[Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3] will be after."

The speculation about Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3's place in the timeline has been fuelled in part by directors Joe and Anthony Russo's reminder that there is a four-year gap between the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Infinity War. However, Gunn's statement will likely put to rest speculation that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will be a prequel, though there's always a possibility that some flashback scenes may take place in the time between Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Infinity War.

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In theaters now, Avengers: Infinity War is directed by Joe and Anthony Russo and stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Paul Bettany, Anthony Mackie, Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Holland, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chadwick Boseman, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Tom Hiddleston and Josh Brolin. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will release in theaters in 2020.