Dublin Comic Con: Guardians of the Galaxy 2 to start filming soon, says Michael Rooker

Michael Rooker, who plays Yondu in Guardians of the Galaxy, told the Irish Examiner that the film’s script is indeed finished and filming will begin very soon just outside of Atlanta.

#MichaelRooker answers fan questions at #DublinComicCon #DCC15 #DCCON @DublinComicCon @RookerOnline #Dublin pic.twitter.com/klOermqmQH

— NERDGEIST (@NGeistofficial) August 8, 2015

The actor, known for his role as Merle Dixon in The Walking Dead, was among many celebrity appearances at the comic book convention in Dublin this weekend.

Nicholas Brendon and Emma Caulfield from the cult TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer were also popular attractions at DCCON as well as voice actor Billy West, known best for his work on Futurama.

Speaking with Nicholas Brendon, he said he was enjoying his time in Dublin: “We’re actually hoping to extend our stay until at least Wednesday.”

Read all about #DCCON tomorrow on @irishexaminer #IEStaff http://t.co/lnui9DhzZZ via @Pam_Ryan_

— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) August 9, 2015

Former co-star Emma Caulfield also said she was enjoying her stay very much but having checked the weather before leaving warmer climates, said: “I didn’t realise humid still meant cold!”

Power Ranger Steve Cardenas, Star Trek actress Gates McFadden, Stargate actor Alexis Cruz, Ladislav Beran, known for his work in Hellboy, Blade 2 and Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol, and John Duggan known for his skills in the horror franchise Texas Chainsaw Massacre were also available for photos, signings and various panel discussions.

Photo: Pam Ryan

The celebrities didn’t make up the buzz at the convention however. With over 16,000 people in attendance on the first day alone, the Dublin Convention Centre with filled with fans of comics, graphic novels, superheroes, movies and television shows.

Most people arrived in costumes, donning the very persona of their favourite characters. See some below.

Finola Kelleher attended the convention as Xena, Warrior Princess. Photo: Pam Ryan

Shannon Kehoe arrived donning paper mache tentacles as Ursula from The Little Mermaid. Photo: Pam Ryan

Luckily for these attendees there were also costume competitions, making walking around in heavy costumes in the sweltering heat much more bearable.

As well as the expected comic book stores selling their wares the convention also played host to some of Ireland’s most talented, with illustrators, comic book writers and accessory and prop makers showcasing and selling their creations bringing in large and intrigued crowds.

There was an Alien vs Predator themed survival course, which, despite the gut wrenching screams, this reporter braved with a group of strangers. The visuals are bad due to the darkness of the tunnel but the audio is pretty hilarious.

What you can’t see is the rather large Alien character who jumps up behind the group from the darkness.

Photo: Pam Ryan

The event has been a growing success, having had to move to a larger space this year in the Dublin Convention Centre and using two whole floors in the building. The event is set to only increase in size and attraction again next year. Better start making your costumes!