Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn debunks popular Captain America fan theory

Many fans thought two big characters might be related

Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn has debunked a popular fan theory linking Chris Pratt’s lead character with Captain America.

Over the past few years, some fans have wondered whether the superhero played by Chris Evans is actually Star-Lord’s biological grandfather.

The theory first came to light after viewers noticed that Laura Haddock, the actor who plays Star-Lord’s mother in the Guardians of the Galaxy films, was in Captain America: The First Avenger back in 2011.

Haddock plays a character who looks at Steve Rogers during his tour around the US.

One Reddit user theorised that the repeat casting was intended to hint at the connection. They suggested that Steve and the woman had a relationship back in the 1940s, which resulted in the birth of Peter “Star-Lord” Quill.

Gunn, though, has apologetically poured water on the theory.

“Sorry to bust this fun theory, but it doesn’t work as Meredith Quill’s father is a major character played by @GreggHenry88 in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 1 and appears briefly in Vol 2.”

Haddock isn’t the first actor to play two roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Humans star Gemma Chan, most recently seen as Minn-Erva in Captain Marvel, will appear in Eternals alongside Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden and Kumail Nanjiani next year.

Gunn will return to direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3, the release date of which has not been announced.