While all of the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was shown at San Diego Comic-Con, with one description of the footage (via Variety) explaining such details as Gamora leading the Ravagers, the introduction of Adam Warlock, and Rocket’s origin story.
Throughout his time in the MCU, Rocket has been a unique character as the only anthropomorphic talking raccoon. Introduced in the first Guardians of the Galaxy film, Rocket worked as a bounty hunter with his tree-like friend and partner, Groot. By the time Rocket was captured by the Nova Corps at the beginning of Guardians of the Galaxy, he already had an extensive criminal record, including acts of theft, mercenary activities, arson, and repeatedly escaping incarceration. However, he later became a founding member of the movie's titular team and transitioned into being a hero, albeit an occasionally problematic one.
Rocket’s origin was only briefly referenced once in Guardians of the Galaxy. In the Nova Corps’ prisoner lineup, officer Rhomann Dey read over Rocket’s background. He explained that Rocket was “the result of illegal genetic and cybernetic experiments on a lower life form.” Put simply, he was originally a normal raccoon that alien scientists used for their experiments on the Halfworld planet. Due to their enhancements, Rocket developed greater levels of intelligence. However, the scientists’ abuse also made Rocket more chaotic and violent — until he escaped and became a mercenary. While Rocket’s origin has never been fully shown on screen in the MCU, it will most likely play a large part in the story and emotional core of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
The Importance of Rocket’s Origin in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Although the full Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 trailer has not been posted online yet, images have already proved that the Guardians of the Galaxy threequel will prominently feature Rocket’s origin story. Possibly set just before the scientists’ experiments began, a flashback in the trailer shows a hand reaching toward an unaltered baby Rocket. This emphasis on the character's history fits director James Gunn’s statement at Comic-Con that Rocket would be a “driving force” in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. As the universe’s only talking raccoon due to dangerous genetic experiments, Gunn explained that Rocket must secretly be very sad, making him the key to the heart of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
In addition, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 could use Rocket’s history to contrast Adam Warlock’s origin. Following up on a Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 credits scene, Adam Warlock will be a major villain in the next installment. To exact her revenge on the Guardians, Ayesha, the High Priestess of a genetically engineered alien race called the Sovereign, created Adam. He was meant to be even more perfect and powerful than the current Sovereign, marking a step forward in their evolution. In opposition, Rocket was the result of illegal experiments and is still considered a “lower life form.” In Guardians of the Galaxy, Rocket even refers to himself as “some little monster” due to the scientists’ tests.
The sequel could contrast Rocket and Adam Warlock to explore themes about genetic experiments and what makes a being good or “perfect.” Although the Guardians of the Galaxy movies have not fully explained Rocket Raccoon’s origins in the MCU yet, it's clear that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is finally providing the opportunity to do so.
