Michael Rooker, who played Yondu in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” has joined the cast of Universal’s “Fast & Furious 9,” an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Rooker will play a small role of a character named Buddy in the action sequel. He joins fellow newcomer to the franchise John Cena, as well as returning stars Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Charlize Theron, Helen Mirren, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris and more.
Justin Lin is directing the ninth film in the franchise that is already in production. The plot is still under wraps, but Dan Casey wrote the screenplay. Diesel is producing the film via his One Race Films banner, and Lin is also producing for Perfect Storm Entertainment.
“Fast & Furious 9” opens in theaters on May 22, 2020.
In addition to his work in “Guardians of the Galaxy,” Rooker recently starred in the James Gunn-produced superhero horror film “Brightburn,” in a pair of episodes of HBO’s “True Detective” alongside Mahershala Ali and in the indie biopic “Bolden.”
He’ll next be seen in the feature film take on the ’70s TV show “Fantasy Island” that’s directed by Jeff Wadlow. Rooker is represented by Gersh and LINK Entertainment.
Rooker’s casting was first reported by Deadline.