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'Walking Dead' Star Michael Rooker Joining 'Guardians of the Galaxy'
by Ethan Anderton
April 16, 2013
It sounds like we're going to get a bit of a cosmic history lesson when Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy hits theaters in 2014. Though we've been told the team line-up for the space superhero ensemble would include Drax the Destroyer (wrestler Dave Bautista), Groot (yet to be cast), Star-Lord (Five-Year Engagement star Chris Pratt), Gamora (Star Trek franchise actress Zoe Saldana) and Rocket Raccoon (yet to be cast), some new info seems to indicate some time will be dedicated to the founding members of the Guardians of the Galaxy as Deadline reports "The Walking Dead" star Michael Rooker will play Yondu.
According to the Marvel Wiki, Yondu Udonta was a game hunter of the primitive Zatoan tribe, the humanoid beings who were native to Centauri IV, the first planet system to be colonized outside of the Sun's solar system. Yondu avoided contact with the first wave of humans, but ended up running into astronaut Vance Astro arriving to the planet much later than the other humans (who discovered star-drive engines after his departure). When an alien raced called the Badoon attack Centauri IV, the two attempt to escape, but are captured and taken back to a recently conquered Earth. It is there they meet Charlie-27 of the Jupiter colony and Martinex of the Pluto colony and form the Guardians of the Galaxy, with a vow to take out all the Badoon threats.
If anything, I'm betting this backstory gets handled in some kind of prologue at the beginning of the film. However, that makes me worry that this film will be getting close to Green Lantern territory with a little too much mythology. But if the concept art is any indicator, we'll be jumping into the world of Guardians of the Galaxy pretty quickly, and hopefully not much exposition needs to happen to get people on board with a group of alien superheroes. Rooker is a solid addition to the cast, but we're betting he won't have much screentime. There's likely more casting coming soon, so stay tuned.
15 Comments
1
Wow, that back story sounds almost as complicated as LOTR or Star Wars.
Matt Peloquin on Apr 16, 2013
2
I'm sure I will enjoy GotG, I have a feeling however it will bomb commercially and possibly critically. There will be too many odd characters that might not connect with audiences. Also other than Saldana, there are NO big names attached, I believe that with a title like this needs some name recognition to get the more main stream viewers into seats. Hopefully they cast some real big names. Hot as Zoe may be I do not think her name alone will sell tickets.
Brian Sleider on Apr 16, 2013
3
I think it'll be very much sold on the general Marvel brand. Marvel is trying to establish their MCU products as having the kind of identity and value that 'Pixar' had for years...people just assume that a new Marvel production will probably be worth seeing. Also, if there is a way to set the film up with some of the films preceding it, they'll find a way. Also, this probably isn't going to be some big $200 million production...they'll be able to turn it into something that could at least be deemed 'a success' critically and financially.
Chris Groves on Apr 16, 2013
4
I'm sure it will be #1 the first weekend it is open. What it does after that I am unsure of.
Brian Sleider on Apr 16, 2013
5
I could be wrong but Chris Pratt may be a bigger name now. Granted people would only know him as Andy from Parks and Rec
Brandon V. Fletcher on Apr 17, 2013
6
Yes he is a "bigger" name now, I put that in quotes because its not hard to be bigger than unknown. I would wager that most people have no idea who he is. Also, if a sitcom star is your top biller....... I know he was in ZDT, and I know that movie did well, though I do not know any one who has seen it.
Brian Sleider on Apr 18, 2013
7
James Gunn and Micheal Rooker are pretty good buds. Not surprised!
lewinston on Apr 16, 2013
8
He had pretty nice roles in both Gunn's "Slither" and the much-better "Super"
Chris Groves on Apr 16, 2013
9
Also a pretty funny role in Mall Rats.
Brian Sleider on Apr 16, 2013
10
Damn! I almost forgot that was him. I saw that movie before I really knew who he was.
Chris Groves on Apr 16, 2013
11
Hes had so many henchman roles too lol
Cody W on Apr 16, 2013
12
Good news.
Xerxexx on Apr 16, 2013
14
Way to go ROOK!!!
Marcus on Apr 16, 2013
15
While your concerns about entering into GL territory are understandable. Put your mind at peace by realizing that this is Marvel,not DC
Marvel on Apr 17, 2013
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