James Gunn has big plans for Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Recently, the director took part in an online watch party for Guardians of the Galaxy on Twitter. During the event, someone asked if we’re going to dive into Rocket’s origin story in the upcoming sequel. Here’s what Gunn had to say about it.
https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1247696778322792448
“I’ll just say Rocket is a big part of what’s happening in the future – and a lot of this stuff (like the scars we’re about to see on his back) sets up what I’ve been planning for Rocket all along,” Gunn said.
We’ve been treated to small glimpses of how Rocket came to be in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but no full-blown origin story. While Gunn is playing things a bit coy, it’s clear there is more to Rocket than we’re aware of at the moment. Gunn also addressed how tortured the character it is and how that plays into the first movie.
https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1247697728080990208
“Part of the cybernetics apparently painfully placed in his body. One of my favorite moments in the movie. Rocket’s loneliness and disaffection is at the center of the franchise for me,” Gunn said.
Bradley Cooper voices Rocket in the MCU, while James’ brother Sean Gunn serves as the on-set stand-in actor. Aside from the Guardians movies, Rocket also had a major part to play in both Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Seemingly, against all odds, a talking raccoon has become a major player in one of the biggest movie franchises in history.
As for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, it may be a while. Gunn is currently finishing up work on The Suicide Squad for Warner Bros. With that film scheduled to arrive in August 2021, Gunn won’t be free to head back over to the MCU until late 2021 at the earliest. GOTG 3 remains without a release date at this point, but it’s expected to be part of Marvel’s Phase 5 plans.
Here is the official synopsis for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
“Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.”
So what do you think? Are you excited to see where James Gunn takes Rocket in the future? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!