How Bradley Cooper Leaned On His Trauma When Voicing Rocket In 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3'

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3. was one of the few bright spots in a tumultuous year for Marvel Studios.

The film not only gave a satisfying end to the Guardians trilogy but also dived into the tragic backstory of the caustic Rocket Raccoon.

Photo: Marvel

In the film, audiences learn that Rocket was experimented on by a mad scientist named the High Evolutionary, who sought to enhance and anthropomorphize animal lifeforms to create an ideal society.

After befriending his fellow “batch 89” test subjects — Lylla (an otter), Teefs (a walrus), and Floor (a rabbit), Rocket is devastated when The High Evolutionary kills Lylla. In the ensuing battle, both Teefs and Floor also die. Though Rocket escapes the High Evolutionary on a spaceship, he is never really able to get away from his past.

Photo: Marvel

As it turns out, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was not only emotional for audiences but also for the cast themselves.

Bradley Cooper Cried When Voicing Rocket

In a recent interview on The Howard Stern Show, Bradley Cooper, who voices Rocket Raccoon, revealed how he approached the film’s dramatic moments.

“This last one, I’m not sure if you’ve watched it, but I actually cried like crazy. There’s a scene where he loses his friend and the sound Rocket makes is something I could only relate to, is the sound my own voice when my dad passed away,” Cooper said. “When we did it on the sound stage, I think everybody knew there was some deep truth to the sound that came out of my mouth and I think that’s why that moment in the movie is really like, ‘Holy [crap].’”

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 ends with Rocket being named the new leader of the intergalactic superhero team after the other members go their separate ways.

Grateful For ‘Guardians 3’

While this may spell the end of the Guardians as we knew them, Cooper was grateful for the series’ last installment.

“Honestly, it was very emotional to play him,” Cooper said. “You really get a chance to understand how he came to be,” Cooper said. “Rocket went through a lot.”