Fans who purchased a digital download of Thor: Ragnarok this week were likely surprised to discover among the bonus features an appearance by Michael Rooker as Yondu. Cameos in Marvel Studios are nothing new, of course, but the beloved character's death in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 may have left some viewers wonder how, or why, the gag sequence was even shot. Thanks to Guardians director James Gunn, we now have an answer.

As it turns out, the "deleted scene" was never intended to appear in the Thor sequel. According to Gunn, the sequence was a joke between Rooker and Ragnarok director Taika Waititi. As for why Rooker was on set in his full Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 makeup and costume, Gunn tweeted, "For those of you asking me how a Yondu deleted scene is on the Thor Ragnarok extras - I believe Rooker was at the lot shooting his bit for the Guardians Mission Breakout ride/Halloween version, and he stopped by the Thor set to goof around. Rooker, correct me if I'm wrong."

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Apparently, the majority of the footage for Disneyland's Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout attraction was shot alongside Guardians Vol. 2. However, when the ride was changed for Halloween, Rooker and the rest of the cast had to return to shoot new scenes. After suiting up as Yondu, Rooker decided to stop by the Thor: Ragnarok set to mess around, and the gag scene was born.

Guardians_of_the_Galaxy_Mission_Breakout_Disneyland

For those who haven't seen it yet, the scene takes place after Hela has nearly taken control of Asgard. In the original scene, Cate Blanchett's goddess of death begins threatening Asgardians in hopes that they'll reveal the location of Heimdall and the other survivors. When the people refuse to give her what she wants, Hela resorts to public executions to provide a little incentive.

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In the "deleted scene," Yondu interrupts the tense moment to ask for directions to "Kevin and Lou's" offices, a nod to Marvel Studios co-presidents Kevin Feige and Louis D'Esposito.


Directed by Taika Waititi, Thor: Ragnarok stars Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Cate Blanchett as Hela, Idris Elba as Heimdall, Jeff Goldblum as Grandmaster, Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie, Karl Urban as Skurge, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk and Anthony Hopkins as Odin. The film is available now on digital HD and beginning March 6 on Blu-ray and DVD.