UPDATE: Michael Rooker has posted another Instagram picture, covering the Infinity War logo with a piece of tape jokingly.

The Guardians of the Galaxy are growing. In 2014, audiences were introduced to Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Groot, immediately falling in love with the hitherto unknown heroes. When the team returns in May with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, they’re going to look a little different; not only is Groot now in baby form, but the group’s numbers are bolstered by Mantis, Nebula and Yondu.

Now’s a great time to become a Guardian given that the group is set to meet up with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to take down Thanos in next year’s Avengers: Infinity War. The team was confirmed to be meeting up with Iron Man, Captain America and co. in the production announcement, and we further know this includes at least two of the newcomers, Karen Gillan (Nebula) and Pom Klementieff (Mantis). It’s been unknown if their fellow new partner would join them; there’s been no official word on if Yondu will appear and Michael Rooker has been rather quiet on any potential Avengers connections. However, it now looks like he will indeed be playing a part in Infinity War.

The actor has shared a photo on his Instagram showing himself wearing an Infinity War beanie in what he describes as his “local” Starbucks in Peachtree City, Georgia, a short drive from Atlanta where Avengers 3 is currently filming.

Having a great morning so far at my lovely local Starbucks in Peachtree city Georgia…..ShitYes!!! A post shared by Michael Rooker (@michael_rooker) on Feb 25, 2017 at 8:19am PST

It’s not an official confirmation, but the mix of evidence - the logo, the location and the regularity - all point towards Rooker making a return to the MCU in Avengers: Infinity War. It’s possible that it’s just a prank and he’s borrowed the hat, but it is somewhat expected for Yondu to make an appearance. This would mean that all eight of the Vol. 2 Guardians are set to appear, showing Marvel isn’t skimping on the crossover.

In Guardians 2, Yondu will become part of the team after the Ravagers turn on him for letting Peter Quill go at the end of the previous movie, and has been shown in the trailers working against his former allies with Rocket and Baby Groot. How exactly the Guardians will crossover with the Avengers is unclear, but they all have a strong link to villain Thanos after their involvement with the Power Stone in Guardians 1. This includes Yondu, who was hired by Ronan the Accuser to collect the orb so he could deliver it to the Mad Titan.

Aside from meaning more Rooker, this news reaffirms the expanded Guardians roster as the new default. Yondu is a different character to the more knockabout members of the team, which will offer up some interesting interactions with new heroes - a beat where he compares arrow tactics with Hawkeye would be a surefire fan favorite.

Source: Michael Rooker

Next: What Makes Guardians of the Galaxy 2 Really, Really Different?

  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Release Date: 2017-05-05 Avengers: Infinity War Release Date: 2018-04-27 The Avengers 4 Release Date: 2019-04-26