The new trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 includes the introduction of an unexpected minor character from Marvel Comics: Lylla, Rocket Raccoon's girlfriend.
Like Rocket, Lylla is a genetically modified animal, but an otter rather than a raccoon. She appears in a clip near the end of the new trailer, which debuted today at CCXP 2022, sharing an emotional embrace with Rocket. No context has been revealed about Lylla's presence, but it's known that Vol. 3 will have a major focus on Rocket's backstory, so scenes with Lylla may be flashbacks -- or a long-awaited reunion.
Lylla's first mention in the Marvel Cinematic Universe came much earlier, as a name listed on Rocket's criminal profile when he's arrested in the first Guardians of the Galaxy film. This nod to the character was thought by many to be simply an Easter egg for comics readers rather than a hint that Lylla would show up later, as she has only ever appeared in stories centered on Rocket, and has never been a member of the Guardians.
However, she does have a long history of her own, having made her debut in 1982's Incredible Hulk #271 alongside Rocket himself. Both characters were residents of Halfworld, a planet populated by a variety of talking animals, and the issue's plot involved Rocket rescuing Lylla from a rival. She has also been adapted to other media, including the Guardians of the Galaxy: Telltale Series video game.
The trailer sees the Guardians landing on a planet which looks like a suburban American neighborhood, except that it's full of humanoids who have the heads of different kinds of animals. Whether this is meant to be the MCU's version of Halfworld is yet to be seen, but other footage from the trailer promises that the action will take place in all kind of locations and feature many new and returning characters.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the final chapter of the Marvel trilogy starring the beloved team of spacefaring misfits, and marks the end of director James Gunn's time with Marvel Studios. The film will see the return of Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Zoe Saldaña as Gamora, Bradley Cooper as Rocket and Vin Diesel as Groot.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 releases in theaters on May 5, 2023.
Source: YouTube