James Gunn Says There’s No Romance Between Drax And Mantis In GOTG 2

Warning: This article contains a few spoilers for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Those who haven't been able to see the film yet are advised to head on out before they get themselves spoiled.

The internet is full of relationship shippers, and while Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is more focused on family and friendship, the film did offer a new bond between Dave Bautista's Drax the Destroyer and one of the group's newcomer's, Pom Klementieff's empathy, Mantis.

While most fans have been rooting for the unspoken thread between the cosmic superhero's ringleader Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and the former mercenary Gamora (Zoe Saldana), fans found a refreshing bond growing between Drax and Mantis. A lot of fans have been shipping the two, hoping for a romance to swell between the warrior and the empathy.

However, it seems like these Drax-Mantis shippers are out of luck. Speaking on a Facebook Q&A session, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 director James Gunn began bursting bubbles when asked whether romantic ties could exist between Marvel's two Guardians.

"No. There is absolutely no romance between Mantis and Drax. They are BFFs. There is nothing romantic in there. I think we make that profoundly clear in the film. For you to think there's romance between Mantis and Drax, I think you're hoping outside of what we clearly say. He's not attracted to her. Drax is attracted to very heavy set women. That's what he likes and he absolutely doesn't like Mantis."

"[Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2] about these character who are all broken angels and don't have any way of communicating with each other."

Speaking in an interview with Comicbook, Bautista also shared his insight on the moment the two shared back when Drax decided to open up about his family outside of Ego's house.

"It's such an ingenious way to tell a story because Drax is so heartbroken over the loss of his family, which we touched upon in the first one, but it's so amazing that they can tell this story without Drax having to break down but through Mantis' character because her character is so beautiful and so emotional.So, I think it was such an ingenious way to tell the story but not only to tell that story of Drax's heartbreak but also to build that connection between Drax and Mantis. I mean it's a really brilliant way to tell a story."

While Mantis and Drax would certainly be an interesting match, it's better to see the two sharing a clear-cut bond of friendship. Guess all shippers can do now is match the two in fanfiction and fan art.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is currently screening in cinemas.

Read: James Gunn Talks About Whether Yondu Could Return After Guardians Of The Galaxy 2