Michael Rooker Coy About Marvel Movie Role

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Some huge names from the world of entertainment were in North Texas this past weekend for the Dallas Comic Con. The event shattered attendance records as nearly 50,000 fans packed into the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center to get a glimpse at their favorite science fiction and fantasy stars.

Michael Rooker was among the celebrities with the biggest draw. Most fans know him as Merle Dixon in AMC's "The Walking Dead," despite the fact that his character was killed off in the show's third season. Rooker has also appeared in movies like "Slither," "Mallrats" and "Cliffhanger" to name just a few.

But his next role will likely have him making comic convention appearances for many years to come. Rooker stars as Yondu in "Guardians of the Galaxy," the next installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has already given us "Iron Man," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," and "The Avengers." The film hits theaters in August.

Based on a lesser-known Marvel Comics series, "Guardians of the Galaxy" follows a group of misfits -- including a tree-like person and a talking raccoon -- as they defend the universe from a villain who is tracking down a mysterious orb. More specific details about the movie's plot are still under wraps.

And when pressed for the inside scoop, Rooker maintained the movie's sense of mystery. "Doesn't mean Yondu's a bad guy. Doesn't mean he's a good guy," Rooker said. "I am not at liberty to classify Yondu at all at this point in time." For the record, Yondu is primarily a hero in the comics, so the movie may skew away from that tradition.

Or not.

"I actually can't tell you anything about 'Guardians of the Galaxy' except I'm blue," Rooker added, telling us to look out for him in the film's new trailer set to debut on Monday afternoon.

One thing that Rooker could discuss, however, was the dramatic difference between shooting a blockbuster movie and a hit television show. "TV shows are hard," Rooker said. "I didn't know this, really, until I did 'The Walking Dead.' TV shows are a lot of work, man. You're like, seven days a week. It's a grind. It's a lot of fun. It's craziness. But it's a lot of work. And I came from the film world, and I was like, used to, you know, doing a scene and having two or three days off."

Photos: Dallas Comic Con

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