Ya’ll Michael Rooker is funny. And he has the BEST giggle. When he sat down with us for the interview, he was all jokes. Not stand-up comedy jokes, but the kids of jokes one makes when they are genuinely enjoying themselves. And it was clear, Michael Rooker enjoys his role as Yondu in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Like the others we interviewed while on the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 set, Michael Rooker appeared in full costume. And yes, that means we got to see the new fin up close. It was really cool, obviously.
Thanks to Disney for inviting me on this once-in-a-lifetime set visit.
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 Michael Rooker
In between being silly, we talked to Michael Rooker about his character, the fin and his crew.
On the new fin:
The fin makes a big impact on his look, but it isn’t heavy. It’s actually hallow. Initially they talked about adding lights to the fin, but they decided to leave it “natural.”
Michael Rooker alluded to a cool story and major transformation regarding the new fin, but alas he was unable to divulge any secrets. He did tell us that for the first movie they explained his short fin with practical reasoning.
Your ship is low, and with the regular big fin you would be hitting the ceiling.
But I think it was all part of the lead up to his transformation.
On getting into character:
Michael Rooker didn’t just show up with the fin, he also brought his teeth with him to show us. Oh yes, I am serious, and it was hilarious. When asked about getting into character he told us it is really easy because the script is written for him with more “odd things” he can do with it.
It’s a continuation of Yondu in the first script. We get to learn a bit more about Yondu. His relationship with Quill…more odd things that I get to do. Some silly things. It’s not all silly, but it’s fun. It’s A LOT of fun.
On what’s going on with the Ravangers:
When we met with producer Jonathan Schwartz in storyboarding, he told us that there will be a bit of a Ravangers rebellion. Michael Rooker wasn’t about to give up any secrets, but he did say this:
My crew is a very violent and aggressive crew, they are always looking for a weakness and always trying to challenge the leader. Like any rebel, skull and crossbones crazy motorcycle gang. There’s loyalty going on, but there’s also rivalry.
On becoming a good guy?
We asked Michael Rooker about Yondu teaming up with the Guardians, and he corrected us:
They’ve teamed up with me.
I’m the one who can whistle and take out a whole army, ok?
Before he left, Michael Rooker gave us a taste of Yondu’s signature whistle, which he admitted is harder to do with the teeth so they have to enhance it a bit.
He flashed us a smile with those gnarly teeth…
That is some good looking man there.
On Set With Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 blasts into theaters May 5, 2017, and it’s going to be awesome – mark my words! Don’t miss any of my posts from the set of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2:
- 7 Behind-The-Scenes Facts From Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2
- Chris Pratt – Peter Quill / Star-Lord
- Zoe Saldana – Gamora
- Dave Bautista – Drax
- Karen Gillan – Nebula
- Director James Gunn