LOS ANGELES, Jan 16 — James Gunn has confirmed that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 will hit cinemas in 2020.

When questioned about a third instalment by a fan on Twitter, the director simply responded: "Coming in 2020”.

This is the first time that a release date has been revealed.

The popular film’s second instalment hit cinemas in April last year.

Industry watchers speculate that the film will be released in either May, August or November because Marvel Studios has three 2020 release dates ready for as-yet untitled films.

The slots are: May 1, 2020, August 7, 2020 and November 6, 2020.