Why Michael Rooker Deserves An Oscar For Guardians Of The Galaxy 2

03/27/2017 11:50 am EDT

Michael Rooker's acting career got off to a tremendous start when he landed the title role in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986), and then the next ten years, he delivered memorable performances in high-profile films like Eight Men Out (1988), Mississippi Burning (1988), Days of Thunder (1990), JFK (1991), Cliffhanger (1993), and Tombstone (1993). After that, he found steady work on television and in films, but the TV roles were mostly relegated to one-episode spots or in unspectacular made-for-TV-movies, and the Hollywood films he did appear in were largely forgettable.

When Rooker took a supporting role in Slither (2006), he unknowingly planted the seeds for the major upswing that he is currently enjoying. He became fast-friends with its first-time director, James Gunn, and that friendship has led to him appearing in Gunn's other films: Super (2010), Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), and this year's The Belko Experiment.

Aside from that, in 2010, Rooker nabbed a scene-stealing role in the instantly-popular television series The Walking Dead, portraying the racist, misogynistic redneck Merle Dixon. Though he only appeared in two episodes in the first season and one episode in its second season, Rooker was given plenty of juicy material to work with throughout the show's third season.

Rooker also has an expanded role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and according to Gunn, the 61-year-old actor delivers an Oscar-worthy performance.

"I will say this about Michael Rooker, and this is no joke. He deserves an Academy Award nomination for this movie," Gunn told Fandango. "He is amazing in the film, and he's blowing people away. It's such a deep, honest and truthful performance from him. Who would've ever thought that Rooker's real lifetime-achievement role would be with a guy who's painted blue and has a big fin on top of his head, but it is. He's just amazing."

Set to the backdrop of 'Awesome Mixtape #2,' Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team's adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill's true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes' aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is written and directed by James Gunn (Slither). The film marks the return of the original Guardians, including Chris Pratt (Jurassic World) as Peter Quill/Star-Lord; Zoe Saldana (Star Trek Into Darkness) as Gamora; Dave Bautista (Spectre) as Drax; Vin Diesel (Furious 7) as the voice of Groot; Bradley Cooper (American Sniper) as the voice of Rocket; Michael Rooker (Jumper) as Yondu; Karen Gillan (The Big Short) as Nebula; and Sean Gunn (Gilmore Girls) as Kraglin. New cast members include Pom Klementieff (Oldboy), Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby, Everest), Chris Sullivan (The Knick, The Drop) and Kurt Russell (The Hateful Eight, The Thing).

MORE: Important Yondu Clue In Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 Trailer? / First Good Look At Taserface / James Gunn On Guardians of the Galaxy Working With The Avengers

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on May 5, 2017.

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