Marvel Confirms the Return of Bradley Cooper as Rocket in Post ‘Guardians’ Era

You may be surprised to find out that one of your favorite Marvel Cinematic Universe heroes is actually voiced by Lady Gaga’s A Star Is Born co-actor Bradley Cooper. The American Sniper actor has been voicing the popular Marvel character, Rocket Raccoon, for years, leaving many wondering if Cooper would reprise the role after the culmination of the Guardians of the Galaxy earlier story this year. Although the latest news surrounding Cooper hasn’t had much to do with the MCU of late, instead focusing on bare-chested photos alongside Tom Brady’s girlfriend, Irina Shayk, Marvel may have let the cat out of the bag regarding the future of Rocket Raccoon and Bradley Cooper in the MCU.

Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon

Tom Brady and Irina Shayk rumors aside, Cooper’s career is one of the more successful in Hollywood of late. Earning several Academy Awards nominations for roles like A Star is Born (2018) alongside Lady Gaga and his Silver Linings Playbook (2012) with Jennifer Lawrence, Cooper has enjoyed a significant amount of accomplishment throughout his film career. Despite a resume that includes titles like American Hustle (2013), War Dogs (2016), and The Hangover (2009), Marvel fans know Bradley Cooper as the man behind their favorite Guardian of the Galaxy, Rocket Raccoon. Voicing the character since 2014, Cooper has given life to the brash, appendage-obsessed rodent alongside Chris Pratts’ Star-Lord and Zoe Saldana’s Gamora. Playing a significant role throughout the Infinity Saga, aiding Thor and other Avengers in their fight against Thanos, Rocket has become a fan-favorite amongst MCU characters.

Marvel Studios

Rocket has become such a focal point in the MCU that the last installment of Guardians of the Galaxy heavily focused around Cooper’s character, his origins, and why he’s presented the way he is to viewers. *Spoilers* As Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3 marks the end of the trilogy for Rocket and his counterparts, despite an end-credit scene that shows the now leader of the Guardians heading up a brand new team, fans have been reluctant to get their hopes up about a possible return to Marvel from voice-actor Bradley Cooper. As Rocket’s storyline registered profoundly and emotionally with viewers, cementing the fandom around the sometimes foul-mouthed fury superhero, many Guardians fans have speculated about whether the MCU will include him. 

The Future of Rocket Raccoon (Spoilers)

Credit: Marvel Studios

As stated, the end-credit scene to Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3 provided insight into what Marvel fans can expect moving forward. However, it remained uncertain if Cooper would return as the voice of Rocket. As he’s made a big name for himself, especially in his amazing performance alongside Lady Gaga, many have wondered if Cooper has outgrown the MCU, despite his return to the franchise since. Although many speculated that our favorite “trash panda” would meet his end in the threequel, his survival in the last Guardians film all but ensures that Rocket will return to the MCU in the future. Although we can expect to see Rocket lead the Guardians in future project, Cooper has been hard at work voicing the character outside of the Guardians movies, specifically bringing back Rocket in the second season of I Am Groot on Disney+.

I Am Groot on Disney+

Another fan-favorite Guardian throughout the history of the films is Groot. Voiced by Vin Diesel, Groot is a plant-based lifeform that we’ve seen evolve and de-evolve throughout his time with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Although MCU fans first got a look at Groot as a fully-developed tree-person, after saving the Guardians in Volume 1, Rocket ensured Groot’s survival by planting a part of him, eventually sprouting up the adorable, child-Groot that fans almost immediately fell in love with. Not to miss their chance to sell, sell, sell; Disney capitalized on the new found fandom of baby Groot, giving him his own feature programming on Disney+.

Credit: Marvel Studios

In 2022, I Am Groot was born and made its debut to Disney+. The short-features revolve around a curious Groot learning new things about the galaxy around him. As Cooper’s Rocket and Groot has always been inseparable, it makes sense that Rocket Raccoon would make an appearance alongside the lovable MCU character in his series. Bradley Cooper revised the character in the initial episode of the Disney+ series. As the second season of I Am Groot has made its way to Disney+, Cooper once again has voiced Rocket in the third episode of the show. Pointed out by TheDirect, although we actually never get to see Rocket, we can hear Cooper’s unmistakable portrayal of the character after Groot drops a coffee mug. Cooper is acknowledged as the voice-actor in the credits at the end of the episode.

Although the future of Bradley Cooper as Rocket in the MCU remains uncertain, we can rest assured that if anyone is going to voice the “rabbit” super hero moving forward, it’ll definitely be Cooper. Given the information provided by the end-credit scene in Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3, we’d say it’s pretty certain that Cooper will return to the role at some point, despite his current situation with Irian Shayk. As long as Rocket returns to the Guardians, the star-power and recognition provided by Cooper will keep fans glued to their seats even without other familiar characters like Chris Pratt’s Peter Quill or Dave Bautista’s Drax.