Guardians of the Galaxy fans are convinced that Rocket Raccoon will die in the franchise's third and last installment.

The new trailer for Marvel's upcoming blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 teases adventure and comedy while offering a glimpse of what likely will be some of the film's heartbreaking moments. The trailer shows Star-Lord and Mantis breaking into tears, a flashback to Rocket as a baby, and Rocket going into full "war mode," saying, "I'm done running." It also includes a surreal shot of Rocket that looks like it could be a dream or the afterlife. Some fans are now convinced that the last film of the franchise will kill off this beloved character.

RELATED: Will Poulter Is Hopeful for Adam Warlock's MCU Future After GotG 3

The new official trailer, which debuted at CCXP 2022, also introduces a minor character from Marvel Comics: Lylla, Rocket Raccoon's girlfriend, a genetically modified otter. She appears near the end of the trailer in a scene that shows her sharing an emotional embrace with Rocket. With no context yet for Lylla's appearance in the film, it's unclear whether the scene in the trailer is a reunion or a flashback.

Rocket's Arc in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

It's known that Rocket's backstory will be a major focus in Vol. 3, tied to the main plot with the introduction of the film's antagonist, the High Evolutionary, portrayed by Peacemaker's Chukwudi Iwuj. The High Evolutionary is a scientist who developed a special interest in genetic experiments; in the comics, Rocket was one of his test subjects. The upcoming film will see the superheroes teaming up to embrace a space mission one last time to face off against this villain.

RELATED: GotG's James Gunn Won't Discuss Vol. 1's Secret Easter Egg - Until Vol. 3 Comes Out

Previously, director James Gunn has commented on why he needed to give Rocket a proper sendoff before leaving the franchise. "I love the character of Rocket more than any character I've ever dealt with before, and I needed to finish his story, and that is what Volume 3 is about," he explained. "I absolutely needed to do it, and I think we've done it in a spectacular way that I can't wait for people to see."

Nebula actor Karen Gillan has teased that the upcoming film will be the "most epic" and emotional of the franchise. She revealed that she struggled to hold back tears during the filming: "...There are scenes where the emotion is heavier than it's ever been in the Guardians world. It was hard to get through some of it."

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will hit theaters on May 5, 2023.

Source: Twitter