None of the trilogies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have had nearly as large of an emotional impact as the Guardians of the Galaxy films. From its first entry, it was clear that, while humorous, these characters needed one another as their stories were nothing short of tragic. But by finding a family among themselves, they learned that they could overcome anything as a team. Now, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will push that concept to the limit with a story that will take its characters to the darkest corners of their history, especially Rocket Raccoon. But even though his story may be tragic, that doesn't mean his ending must be.
According to James Gunn, Rocket's story in this film will solidify why he's truly the saddest being in the galaxy. And to do this, the film will dive into his origin with the High Evolutionary and how he took Rocket when he was a baby and remade him into the sarcastic hero he is today. But what's even more tragic has been how his life hasn't fared much better even while he was a Guardian. From mercenary to the sole surviving member of the Guardians, Rocket has lost more than most in the galaxy, and it's only made him appreciate what he has even more.
In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Rocket even had to let Yondu go to ensure that Peter Quill would survive the destruction of Ego. Soon after, he lost the Guardians to the Snap and has since not taken all he's gained for granted. Now, with the trilogy's last film marking the end of this iteration of Guardians, it's likely Rocket's ending would be bittersweet but far from tragic. In fact, he may even retire with the life he deserves.
Though it hasn't been confirmed, by delving into Rocket's history, audiences may go to his home of Halfworld, a strange place filled with sentient robots and intelligent humanoid creatures. In the comics, Rocket was a freedom fighter who worked with other animals to free his people from a tyrannical ruler. The same could get done in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 against the High Evolutionary. But more importantly, Rocket could reunite with his long-lost love Lylla.
Lylla was an otter briefly mentioned as a known affiliate of Rocket in the first Guardians film, but she hasn't come up since. In the comics, she was Rocket's soulmate and helped him during his battles on Halfworld. With many Guardians likely retiring from the team, now would be a great opportunity for Lylla to return and offer Rocket a happy ending where he and his kind would be free of their oppressor and live happily on Halfworld. Furthermore, with so much Rocket has sacrificed over the years, it would be a perfect ending for his story to end with him having gained something for a change.
Among the Guardians, Rocket may be one of the most heroic on the team, even if he won't show it. That makes a sacrifice too cliché for a character who has already proven he'd die for his family. So instead, the best way for his story to conclude would be to have the life he never had but always deserved with someone who loves him unconditionally. The best part about this ending would be that there's still a chance that Rocket could return in the future or even offer council to future Guardians should the need arise. But even if he doesn't, the most important aspect needed for the character would be to have a fitting end in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, where he wins instead of suffering for a change.
To see Rocket's story continue, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hits the big screen May 5, 2023.