The following contains spoilers for The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, now streaming on Disney+.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special gives a number of characters more time in the sun, notably Drax and Mantis, who carry the central plot in their efforts to hunt down Kevin Bacon. But it also prominently involves Cosmo, the former Soviet test dog who found herself in the Guardians' new headquarters of Knowhere and contributes to the Christmas festivities. That involves not only helping Rocket repair the place with her telekinetic powers, but participating in the crew's gift exchange by giving Kraglin Obfonteri the corpse of a ratlike Orloni that she killed.
It's no surprise that she became an instant hit among Marvel Cinematic Universe fans, and James Gunn's deft direction in the Holiday Special makes her presence just subversive enough to cut into her lovable vibes. But Cosmo has a deep connection to Knowhere in the comics, and her presence here suggests that she may be a long way from done in the MCU. As such, a significant role in the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 seems likely.
Cosmo Is a Weirdly Powerful Figure in the Marvel Comics
Cosmo first appeared in 2007 Nova Vol. 4 #8 (Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Wellinton Alves, Scott Hanna, Guru-eFX and Cory Petit), where the titular hero discovered him working as chief of security in Knowhere. Cosmo was a test animal for the Soviet Union's space program, whose ship broke orbit and was presumed lost. He was exposed to cosmic rays during his journey, which granted him longevity, telepathy and a modicum of intelligence. He ultimately arrived in Knowhere where he took up his position, and eventually permitted the Guardians of the Galaxy to set up operations there.
In the comics, Cosmo possesses several significant superpowers. Besides his longevity, he demonstrates strong telekinetic abilities -- allowing him to manipulate items without the use of opposable thumbs -- as well as formidable telepathic skills. He can read minds, alter people's memories, make himself effectively invisible via telepathic camouflage, and use psionic blasts to render others paralyzed. To top it all off, his suit still works, letting him breathe in a vacuum if he needs to.
Cosmo Has Survived Some Big Upheavals in The MCU
The MCU version of the character was altered to fit the franchise's timeline. For one, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn has revealed that Cosmo's gender is female in the MCU, which matches the real-life Soviet space dog Laika. She also first appeared in the original Guardians of the Galaxy film as a living member of The Collector's collection, though how he obtained her has yet to be revealed. She was released after Carina detonated the Power Stone in the museum, but remained in the building and even returned to lick The Collector's face at the end of the film. In a tweet dated Nov. 28, 2022, Gunn revealed that she survived the destruction of Knowhere during Thanos's assault in Avengers: Infinity War. The Guardians purchased the burnt-out shell of the place from The Collector, and Cosmo remained to help them rebuild.
Cosmo's telekinetic abilities remain intact in the MCU -- she practices them during the Holiday Special -- as do her longevity and spacesuit. Other powers have yet to be seen, though she can communicate thanks a translator collar around her neck. (The latter is an overt nod to the dogs in Pixar's Up, who wore similar devices.) But the very fact that Gunn devotes significant screen time to what she can do -- coupled with the fact that he could have simply declined to put her in the special with no one being the wiser -- is a big hint.
Gunn's affection for the character is apparent, and everything about her points to an increased appearance rather than a diminished one. Additionally, Disney knows a good thing when they have one. Judging by fans' response to the Holiday Special, they've hooked themselves a winner, and whatever Gunn has in mind is apt to further that impression. As such, fans, can expect a fair amount of screen time for her in Vol. 3.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is currently streaming on Disney+.