Guardians of the Galaxy is one of the world’s most celebrated superhero franchises, adding a whole new roster of characters and wealth of storytelling to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 coming to the big screen next year, an all-star cast including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, Michael Rooker and Dave Bautista are returning to tell the next chapter in the story of the MCU cosmos' 'mightiest heroes'.

The first proper teaser trailer for the Guardians of the Galaxy sequel is now online, providing just over two minutes of action to whet the appetites of fans across the world - and featuring a whole lot of Baby Groot. Now, shortly after the trailer reveal, Gunn has confirmed that the teaser earned more online views in its first 24 hours than any other trailer, save for Disney's second Beauty and the Beast trailer.

Taking to his Facebook to announce the news, Gunn wrote in a post:

Holy crap! With 81 million views in its first 24 hours, the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Teaser Trailer is the SECOND BIGGEST TEASER TRAILER EVER (after Beauty and the Beast), and the biggest Marvel Studios Teaser ever! No kidding - I'm, like, floored. Thank all of you so very much for watching it (more than once), and sharing it, and welcoming Baby Groot and Mantis with open arms. Thanks for all your amazing reactions (including your reaction videos, which Jennifer Holland and I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning watching the other night). Thanks to the wonderful folks at CCXP in Brazil where we debuted the trailer. And finally (yes, I know, it's starting to become like I'm accepting an award - sorry BUT) HUGE THANKS to the smart and kind marketing folks at Marvel and Disney who put up with all my eccentricities during the teaser editing process. Honestly. You guys can't imagine what they deal with. I'm a maniac. Now they're gonna have to deal with it again as we prep the FULL TRAILER...

And even more so as we finish up the MOVIE...

Oh - and the icing on the cake - "Fox on the Run" by Sweet, the song used in the teaser, rose to number one on the iTunes Rock Chart!

Did I mention we debuted on a Saturday when you're NEVER EVER supposed to debut anything?

Guardians of the Galaxy Drax Monster

With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 already proving it’s got the ability to bring in millions with just a short teaser, its release in the middle of 2017 is going to be a very interesting one to witness. The trailers so far have proved it continues to not take itself too seriously, whilst the action in the film looks set to remain constant and high-energy.

There is always the chance when a teaser trailer and promotional material in general is so successful, it will make it too difficult for the actual movie to meet expectations - especially when you consider the impact the first Guardians movie had. With five months still to go until the sequel arrives, such awe-inspiring marketing like this could be a hindrance in disguise.

With that being said: for the time being, there's little reason to think the Guardians of the Galaxy sequel won't deliver the good. It’s got all the makings to become a major box office hit - and with attractive and colorful clips featuring beloved characters, chances are good that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will spawn plenty of water cooler talk in the months to come.

NEXT: Guardians of the Galaxy 2 Trailer Breakdown

Source: James Gunn

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