The second James Gunn was announced as director for GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, I immediately wanted to know who Nathan Fillion and Michael Rooker would be playing. They have both appeared in Gunn’s previous two efforts SLITHER (2006) and SUPER (2010) and are great friends with the director. Well it seems as though I’m not the only one wondering about Rooker’s involvement with the upcoming Marvel movie, as he has been asked this question a bunch. Speaking to Collider he had this to say:
Question: As part of James Gunn’s acting family, are you waiting for the phone call about doing a role in Guardians of the Galaxy?
MICHAEL ROOKER: You’re not the first to ask that question.
Which character would you like to play?
ROOKER: All of them. I’d play the racoon guy. I’d play the tree guy. They’re all very cool characters! But, I don’t know. Marvel and Gunn have their own thing going on. It’s very secretive. Until they decide, it’s very secretive. I don’t know any inside scoop, or anything like that. But, we talk. We’re still friends, so we hang out and talk. Whenever I’m in town, we get together. So, I know he’s very busy and working real hard on the rewrite and getting everything set to go. It’s always a pleasure to work with him, so whatever happens, happens.
Would you like to be a part of a film like that? Do you personally enjoy the big comic book movies?
ROOKER: I would. Oh, yeah, sure! I’d have a lot of fun with it. I did a little interview earlier and had a similar question, and now it’s all over the internet that I’m campaigning for a role. All I said was, “Yeah, that would be cool!,” but now I’m campaigning. Dammit, I want that role! The fans really like the idea. I’ve noticed that. I did the interview, they showed it on the internet and, before I knew it, all my people were Tweeting it and posting it on Facebook. They’re interested in having me be a part of it, in some way.
At least being friends with James Gunn gets you a foot in the door that other people don’t have, since he clearly likes to work with the same actors when he can.
ROOKER: Gunn is always thinking of his friends and the people that he’s worked with. He’s quite a loyal director, and he’s a good friend, as well. He’s always, “Well, maybe Rooker can do this one. I think he’d like to do this.” I’m sure he’s thought of me, so we’ll see. Marvel has their agenda. Everyone has their own agenda, trying to get it cast and get it cast well. It’s going to be cool. I’m glad he’s involved with it. It’s a great, fun project. He’s a big fan! He’s been a huge fan of Marvel stuff since he was 12 years old, and even younger than that, I’m sure.
Well he’s certainly up for it, and he has a very distinctive voice, so with so many characters that will obviously face the CGI treatment, he’s bound to get a part. Rooker deserves every role he gets, and I can’t wait for him to return in THE WALKING DEAD Season 3.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY will be released 1st August 2014.
