Michael Rooker Cast in Guardians of the Galaxy

Another piece of casting news in regards to the upcoming Marvel comic-adaptation Guardians of the Galaxy. Michael Rooker (The Walking Dead) has been selected to play Yondu – one of the founding members of the team. Yondu comes from an alien race and is adept at hunting, particularly with a bow and arrow, and has a “sixth sense” in reading others and connecting with nature. He may play more of a mentorship role here in assembling the team.

Earlier: In February Chris Pratt was confirmed to play the leader Star-Lord followed by Dave Bautista signing on for Drax The Destroyer in March and Zoe Sandana as Gamora being announced only a few weeks ago. Groot and Rocket Raccoon, the remaining central members of the Guardians, have yet to be cast.

Directed by James Gunn Guardians of the Galaxy is slated to release on August 1, 2014. It follows Iron Man 3 (May 3), Thor: The Dark World (November 8), and Captain America: The Winter Soldier (April 4, 2014) making it the last of the individual properties before leading in to The Avengers 2 (May 1, 2015).