With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 hitting theaters worldwide within the next two weeks, fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be treated to a delightful dose of Michael Rooker‘s Yondu character.

As pointed in ComicBook.com’s official review of the James Gunn-directed cosmic adventure which re-teams the Guardians following theintroductory adventure in 2014, Rooker’s role steals the show. “The best part of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is Michael Rooker and his portrayal of Yondu Udonta,” ComicBook.com’s review said. “It is time to start taking this former Walking Dead actor seriously.”

Needless to say, Rooker was excited about the added depth to his Yondu Udonta character when reading the script but also remained heavily involved with his writer/director buddy Gunn throughout the process. In an interview with ComicBook.com at a press event for Vol. 2, Rooker discussed the process of expanding Yondu’s role in the sequel.

“I’m asking questions like, ‘Well, why does this happen?’” Rooker said. “‘Why did this happen and how come this happens?’ And, ‘Why can’t we do this instead? How about we do this instead’ And, ‘I think I’ve got an idea! I think I know how we can get this accomplished without doing this.’ Those are kind of the questions I feel open to discussing with [James] Gunn.’”

While much of the depth added will be left out for spoilers’ sake, part of we can say is that the relationship between Yondu and Peter Quill is explored in the sequel following the cliffhanger in the original which was the mystery of Quill’s father. The sole reason the two characters encountered one another was because Yondu was hired to snatch the boy from Earth for delivery to Ego which was a job the Ravager ultimately bailed on.

“It was a gig,” Rooker said. “I was to pick up the kid and bring him to Ego, right? And I decided not to because I find out things about him that I don’t really agree with and I don’t like. Hence, my opinion of him as being a jackass! So, I keep the little guy and I like him. He’s got spunk.”

“In the beginning, I think I use [Peter Quill] but then I get to really, really enjoy and like him.”

One scene in particular sees Yondu dealing with two characters who are certainly not really there for the actor on set: Rocket Raccon and Baby Groot. Still, Rooker manages to keep his lines completely deadpan. “Talking to a baby tree, he’s not really a tree actually,” Rooker said. “He’s not really a tree. He’s an alien being that sort of reminds us of our tree forms here on Earth but he’s a total different being from another planet from a universe far, far away!”

MORE: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Does David Hasselhoff Have a Cameo? / Guardians Of The Galaxy Awesome Mix Vol. 2 Track List Revealed

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 hits theaters May 5, 2017.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 22017

COMICBOOK ANTICIPATED4.29#6Best-Rated Before Release

Your Rating

from 240 users #3 All-Time Anticipated Rating