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Rocket (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

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Rocket is a fictional character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise voiced by Bradley Cooper and based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Rocket was based on movements from Sean Gunn and an actual raccoon named Oreo.[4] Rocket is depicted as a hot-tempered mercenary and weapons expert who, along with his companion Groot, joins the Guardians of the Galaxy in their battle against Ronan the Accuser.[5] Following the Blip, Rocket remains on Earth as a member of the Avengers. He and his allies successfully obtain the Infinity Stones from the past using time travel, with Rocket contributing to the construction of the Nano Gauntlet used by Bruce Banner to restore the trillions of lives lost across the universe. Rocket fights in the final battle against Thanos, and rejoins the Guardians after their victory; departing for space, now accompanied by Thor.

Rocket
Marvel Cinematic Universe character
Rocket as depicted in Avengers: Endgame (2019)
First appearanceGuardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Based on
Rocket Raccoon
by
Adapted by
Voiced byBradley Cooper
Motion capture bySean Gunn
In-universe information
Full name89P13
AliasRocket
NicknameRabbit[1]
SpeciesRaccoon Halfworlder
Occupation
Affiliation
Weapon
  • Various ion and laser cannons and blasters
  • Hadron Enforcer[2]
ChildrenGroot (adoptive son)[3]

Rocket made his first appearance in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), and become a central MCU character, appearing in six films as of 2022. Rocket will return in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022), the animated series I Am Groot (2022), as well as in the upcoming film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023).

Concept and creation

 
Bradley Cooper, the voice of Rocket, pictured here in 2011
 
A typical Earth raccoon.

The comic book character was created by Bill Mantlo and Keith Giffen,[6] and inspired by the Beatles song "Rocky Raccoon".[7] Rocket Raccoon first appeared in Marvel Preview #7 (Summer 1976), in the back-up feature "The Sword in the Star", under the name "Rocky".[8][9] He would next appear in The Incredible Hulk #271 (May 1982), where it is learned that "Rocky" is short for "Rocket". In 1985, he received his own four-issue limited series and in an afterword to the first issue, Mantlo himself asserted that this was the same character seen in Preview, penciled by Mike Mignola and inked by Al Gordon with Al Milgrom. Rocket appeared in Quasar #15 in 1990 and later appeared in three issues of Sensational She-Hulk in 1992 (#44–46).[10] The character only appeared in a total of ten comic books in his first thirty years of existence.[11] Besides a brief appearance in a 2006 issue of Exiles,[10] Rocket Raccoon was next seen in 2007's Annihilation: Conquest and Annihilation: Conquest - Star-Lord limited series,[10][12] and their spin-off series, a new volume of Guardians of the Galaxy.[10][13] He remained a regular member of the series cast until it was canceled with issue #25 in 2010.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige first mentioned Guardians of the Galaxy as a potential film at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con International, stating, "There are some obscure titles, too, like Guardians of the Galaxy. I think they've been revamped recently in a fun way in the [comic] book."[14] Feige reiterated that sentiment in a September 2011 issue of Entertainment Weekly, saying, "There's an opportunity to do a big space epic, which Thor sort of hints at, in the cosmic side" of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Feige added, should the film be made, it would feature an ensemble of characters, similar to X-Men and The Avengers.[15] Feige announced that the film was in active development at the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con International during the Marvel Studios panel, with an intended release date of August 1, 2014. He said the film's titular team would consist of the characters Star-Lord, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Groot, and Rocket.[16] In August 2013, Marvel announced that Bradley Cooper would voice Rocket in Guardians of the Galaxy.[17]

Characterization

In Guardians of the Galaxy, Rocket was characterized as a genetically engineered raccoon-based bounty hunter, mercenary, and master of weapons and battle tactics.[18][19][17][20] Gunn worked with live raccoons to get the correct feel for the character, and to make sure it was "not a cartoon character", saying, "It's not Bugs Bunny in the middle of the Avengers, it's a real, little, somewhat mangled beast that's alone. There's no one else in the universe quite like him, he's been created by these guys to be a mean-ass fighting machine".[21] Gunn also based the character on himself.[22] Describing Rocket in relation to the rest of the Guardians, Cooper said, "I think Rocket is dynamic. He's the sort of Joe Pesci in Goodfellas guy."[23]

Cooper voiced Rocket, while Sean Gunn (James' younger brother) stood in for the character during filming.[24] James Gunn said that for the role of Rocket, some physical movements from Cooper, including facial expressions and hand movements, were recorded as potential references for the animators,[25] though much of Sean Gunn's acting is used throughout the film.[26] Sean noted they "kind of stumbled" into the process of him performing on set since they "weren't sure how we were going to create that character". The same process continued to be used for all subsequent appearances of Rocket.[27] Before Cooper was cast, James Gunn said that it was a challenge finding a voice for Rocket, that he was looking for someone who could balance "the fast-talking speech patterns that Rocket has, but also can be funny, because he is really funny. But also has the heart that Rocket has. Because there are actually some pretty dramatic scenes with Rocket."[28] In addition to Cooper's voice and Sean Gunn's movements, the appearance of Rocket was based on an actual raccoon named Oreo. James Gunn said of the process, "We needed a raccoon to study how he looked and his behavior, so that our on-screen raccoon, which is generated through CGI will be realistic. Our Rocket is based on a combination of our voice actor, Bradley Cooper, our on-set actor, my brother Sean Gunn, the movements and behavior and look of Oreo [the raccoon], as well as my own animation".[4] Gunn brought Oreo to the red carpet premiere of the film.[29]

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Sean Gunn once again served as the stand-in for the character during filming,[30] with Cooper's performance also referenced.[31] Sean Gunn said that "Rocket has the same sort of crisis of faith [that he had in the first film] about whether or not he belongs in this family",[32] with James Gunn adding, "this is really about Rocket coming to terms with accepting his place within a group of people, which probably seemed like a good idea" when they were heroes together at the end of the first film, but now "he's just not very comfortable with the idea". Feige stated that the relationship between Rocket and Groot has changed, saying, "Groot was Rocket's protector in the first movie, [and now] Rocket is Groot's protector."[33]

Oreo died in 2019, at the age of ten.[29]

Fictional character biography

Origins

Rocket's origins are unclear, but he is unique; according to the Nova Corps, he was "the result of illegal genetic and cybernetic experiments on a lower life form". His record with the Nova Corps indicates a lengthy history of theft, arson, and escape from incarceration. At some point in his travels, Rocket becomes friends and partners with Groot, a sentient anthropomorphic tree.

Guardian of the Galaxy

Further information: Guardians of the Galaxy (film)

On the planet Xandar, Rocket and Groot attempt to capture Peter Quill for a bounty, interfering in a fight between Quill and Gamora over possession of the Power Stone that Quill had acquired. All four are captured by the Nova Corps and sent to the space prison, the Kyln. Rocket devises a plan to escape from the Kyln, and they escape along with Kyln inmate Drax the Destroyer. The five then travel to Knowhere to sell the Power Stone, where Rocket and Drax have a heated argument. After Drax drunkenly calls powerful enemy Ronan to confront him, Ronan acquires the Power Stone. Rocket wanted to flee, but is convinced by Groot and by Drax's apology to help save Xandar from Ronan's attack. As other members of the group battle Ronan aboard his ship, the Dark Aster, Rocket crashes a Ravager ship through the Dark Aster, which crash-lands on Xandar. Groot sacrifices himself to shield Rocket and the others, and the remaining Guardians are able to gain control of the Power Stone and destroy Ronan. Rocket plants a sapling cut from Groot in a pot, which grows into a baby of his species, whom Rocket adopts, also naming Groot in his biological father's honour.[34]

Facing Ego

Further information: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Two months later, Rocket and the Guardians are hired by the Sovereign to fight off an alien attacking their valuable batteries, in exchange for Nebula. Annoyed by the arrogance of the Sovereign, Rocket steals some of their batteries, leading the Sovereign fleet to chase and attack the Guardians' ship. They crash land on a planet, where Quill meet his father, revealed to be Ego, a primordial Celestial who manifests a human avatar that allows him to interact with other races. Quill, Gamora, and Drax go with Ego to his planet while Rocket and Groot stay behind to watch Nebula and repair the ship. Ravagers arrive searching for Quill and, after a fight, capture Rocket and Groot and free Nebula. The Ravagers mutiny against their leader, Yondu, and aboard the Ravager ship, Rocket and Yondu plot their escape, eventually destroying most of the Ravager vessel except for a breakaway quarter in which they travel to Ego. They learn that Ego is an evil living planet intent on dominating the universe. Quill keeps Ego occupied in combat with his newfound Celestial powers until Rocket is able to assemble a bomb, which the baby Groot places in Ego's brain. Later, Rocket and the rest of the Guardians hold a funeral for Yondu.

Infinity War

Further information: Avengers: Infinity War

Four years later, Rocket and the Guardians respond to a distress signal and end up rescuing Thor, who is floating in space amidst the wreckage of the Statesman. Thor tells them of Thanos' plan to obtain the Infinity Stones, and the Guardians split up, with Rocket and Groot accompanying Thor to Nidavellir to create a new weapon to kill Thanos. On the way, Rocket gives Thor a replacement for an eye Thor has lost. They find an abandoned Nidavellir and meet the dwarf king Eitri. The four work together to create Stormbreaker, a powerful axe that also grants Thor the power of the Bifröst. Thor transports himself, Rocket, and Groot to Wakanda on Earth via the Bifröst to help members of the Avengers, Bucky Barnes, and the Wakandan army in the battle against the Outriders. Despite being severely wounded, Thanos is able to activate the Infinity Gauntlet, snap his fingers, and teleports away. Rocket watches helplessly as Groot weakly calls out "I am Groot" one final time as he disappears alongside half of living things in the universe to dissolve. Director James Gunn revealed that this phrase translated to "...Dad?" as Groot looked to Rocket for help.[3]

Reversing the Blip

Further information: Avengers: Endgame

Rocket stays with Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanoff, Bruce Banner, James Rhodes and Thor at the Avengers Compound and witnesses Tony Stark and Nebula’s return, realising that only he and Nebula were the remaining Guardians. After finding Thanos' location, he, Thor, Rogers, Romanoff, Rhodes, Banner, Carol Danvers, and Nebula go into space to confront Thanos and retrieve the Stones. However, after Thanos reveals that he destroyed the Stones, Thor kills him, and they leave defeated.

In 2023, Rocket has joined the Avengers and works on missions in space with Nebula. When a means is discovered to use time travel to reverse the Blip, Rocket and Nebula return to the Compound and Rocket accompanies Banner to New Asgard to convince a depressed Thor to return to help with the effort. Rocket then gives his spaceship to Clint Barton. Using the quantum tunnel, Rocket and Thor travel through the Quantum Realm to an alternate 2013 timeline and go to Asgard to get the Reality Stone, during the time when it had been absorbed into Jane Foster. They retrieve the Stone and return to the Compound in the main timeline, but after Banner uses the new Infinity Gauntlet to undo the Blip, an alternate Thanos attacks, trapping Rocket, Rhodes, and Banner underneath the destroyed Compound. Scott Lang, in his Giant-Man form, saves them, and Rocket joins the battle against alternate Thanos' army, where he is reunited with Groot. A week later, Rocket and the reunited Guardians of the Galaxy attend Stark’s funeral, before leaving with them and Thor into space.

Alternate versions

See also: What If...? (TV series)

An alternate version of Rocket appears in the animated series What If...? as a non-speaking character.

Thor's party

Further information: What If... Thor Were an Only Child?

In an alternate 2011, Rocket participates in Thor's intergalactic party on Earth in Las Vegas.

Reception

Year Award Nominated work Category Result Ref.
2015 MTV Movie Awards Guardians of the Galaxy Best On-Screen Duo
(with Vin Diesel) 		Nominated [35]
2017 Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Best Voice Performance Nominated [36]

See also

References

  1. ^ Aliev, Beck (September 10, 2021). "Infinity War Theory: There's a HISTORICAL Reason Thor Calls Rocket 'Rabbit'". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  2. ^ "Rocket On Screen Full Report". marvel.com. Marvel. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  3. ^ a b Sharf, Zack (March 7, 2018). "'Avengers' Fans Are Even More Upset After James Gunn Reveals Groot's Heartbreaking Final 'Infinity War' Line". IndieWire. Archived from the original on March 24, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  4. ^ a b Outlaw, Kofi (2014). "Guardians of the Galaxy: How They Made Rocket Raccoon in Marvel's Space Adventure". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on July 1, 2014.
  5. ^ Skipper, Ben (August 20, 2014). "Guardians of the Galaxy Writer Reveals Hit Marvel Film Nearly Didn't Star Rocket Raccoon". International Business Times. Archived from the original on August 23, 2014. Kevin was a big fan of Rocket, and I'm so glad because I really felt like that was necessary and that was needed.
  6. ^ Mazza, Ed (August 5, 2014). "Bill Mantlo, Rocket Raccoon Co-Creator, Gets Private Guardians Screening In Care Facility". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on August 7, 2014.
  7. ^ Reed, Bill (June 12, 2007). "365 Reasons to Love Comics #163". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on October 9, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  8. ^ Rocket Raccoon at the Grand Comics Database
  9. ^ Mantlo, Bill (w), Giffen, Keith (p), Giffen, Keith (i). "The Sword in the Star!: Stave 2: Witchworld!" Marvel Preview, no. 7 (Summer 1976).
  10. ^ a b c d Cronin, Brian (February 19, 2014). "The Unlikely Journey of Guardians of the Galaxy Star Rocket Raccoon". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  11. ^ Collins, Sean (July 29, 2014). "The Rise of Guardians of the Galaxy's Rocket Raccoon". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 21, 2014. Rocket was a punchline, putting in brief comic-relief cameos in titles like Incredible Hulk and She-Hulk; he appeared in 10 comics total over 30 years.
  12. ^ Warmoth, Brian. "Getting Exclusive at Marvel's Cup O' Joe". WizardUniverse.com. Archived from the original on March 30, 2007. Retrieved February 25, 2007.
  13. ^ Rogers, Vaneta (May 14, 2008). "Greeting the Guardians: Rocket Raccoon, Groot". Newsarama. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009.
  14. ^ Wigler, Josh (August 6, 2010). "Marvel Considering 'Iron Fist' & 'S.H.I.E.L.D.' Movies, 'Black Panther' & 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' Too!". MTV News. Archived from the original on June 9, 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2012.
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  22. ^ Robinson, Will (March 29, 2016). "Guardians of the Galaxy: James Gunn says Groot was inspired by his dog". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 2, 2016. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
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  24. ^ Sullivan, Kevin P. (October 16, 2013). "Vin Diesel on Stilts Isn't Even The Weirdest Thing About This Video". MTV. Archived from the original on May 6, 2014. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  25. ^ Sullivan, Kevin P (November 6, 2013). "'Guardians of the Galaxy': Latest on Vin, Bradley and the Scene Everyone's Talking About". MTV. Archived from the original on November 10, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
  26. ^ Dietsch, TJ (June 26, 2014). "James Gunn Reveals His Brother's Roles in 'Guardians of the Galaxy'". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
  27. ^ Tramel, Jimmie (September 23, 2018). "Tulsa-bound actor Sean Gunn knows Marvel-ous details, but can't share yet". Tulsa World. Archived from the original on September 24, 2018. Retrieved September 25, 2018.
  28. ^ Tilly, Chris (June 4, 2014). "Why The Success Of Guardians Of The Galaxy Depends On A Talking Raccoon". IGN. Archived from the original on June 6, 2014. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
  29. ^ a b "Oreo the raccoon: Guardians of the Galaxy model dies aged 10". BBC. February 8, 2019.
  30. ^ Perry, Spencer (February 2, 2016). "The Guardians of the Galaxy Assemble in a Rehearsal Photo". ComingSoon.net. Archived from the original on February 3, 2016. Retrieved February 2, 2016.
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  32. ^ Awesome, Amy (November 23, 2016). "Rocket Racoon Has A Crisis of Faith in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on November 25, 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
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  34. ^ "James Gunn Twitter ನಲ್ಲಿ: "First Groot is dead. Baby Groot is his son.… "". twitter.com. Archived from the original on February 27, 2018. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  35. ^ "MTV Movie Awards 2015: See the Full Winners List". Billboard. April 12, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  36. ^ "Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards (2017)". IMDb. Retrieved April 26, 2019.
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