When each new Marvel Studios movie releases, the timeline progresses pretty much in real-time. There are a few small exceptions, like how CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER was based during WWII or how GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 takes place just a few months after the first film. But otherwise, each new film timeframe is more or less in real-time.
But this will change from GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 to their next appearance in AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR and studio head Kevin Feige confirmed to CinemaBlend the time between the two will be a four-year period.
This is why the Guardians characters will look a bit different and evolved, especially Groot, who is assumed will be his full size form again as seen in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY. Also revealed is that in Infinity War there will be some hints as to what the Guardians team has been doing and dealing with in that four-year span. Probably mostly due to their own (mis)adventures.
In those four years, the events of AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, ANT-MAN, CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, DOCTOR STRANGE, SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING and THOR: RAGNAROK will have all occurred.
AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR is filming in Pinewood Studios Altanta and releases in the U.S. on May 4, 2018.
Related Posts:
Marvel Studios Press Tour Reveals Teases For BLACK PANTHER, AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, CAPTAIN MARVEL and More
An AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR What If? Star-Lord is the Adam Warlock Role From 'The Infinity Gauntlet' Comics
Marvel Studios Hypes AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR With a Behind the Scenes Teaser and Concept Art