Kirsten Lepore, the director of “I Am Groot,” has expressed her desire to explore the story of Baby Rocket Raccoon in a Marvel Cinematic Universe(MCU) spin-off. Baby Rocket, who was introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, has captured the hearts of fans with his adorable and intriguing character.
Rocket Raccoon, a character first introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 in 2014, has become a beloved and complex figure in the MCU. However, it was in James Gunn’s third installment of the trilogy that Rocket’s backstory was fully explored, shedding light on his past and setting the stage for his future adventures. In the post-credits scene of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Rocket is seen leading a new team of heroes.
Kirsten Lepore, when asked about potential characters for digital short-form spin-offs in the I Am Groot series, immediately thought of Rocket Raccoon. She envisioned exploring “baby raccoon stories” as a potential spin-off idea.
Why Rocket’s Past is Ideal for a Spin-Off ?
Rocket Raccoon’s character development throughout James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy has been a central narrative arc. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 delves deep into Rocket’s backstory, revealing how he was created, abused, and ultimately betrayed by the High Evolutionary. This traumatic past explains Rocket’s cynical and standoffish personality as seen in the first movie.
The conclusion of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 showcases Rocket’s growth as a character, as he confronts and overcomes his past trauma, eventually becoming the new leader of the team. While the trilogy provides a comprehensive exploration of Rocket’s character, there is still uncharted territory in his life.
A potential Baby Rocket spin-off could delve into the unexplored period of Rocket’s life between escaping the High Evolutionary and meeting the other Guardians in Vol. 1. This would allow Marvel to showcase more of the lovable and mischievous Rocket from the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie. Additionally, because Rocket’s trauma would still be fresh, there would be ample emotional depth to explore in the character’s journey.
While there have been no official announcements from Marvel regarding additional animated series beyond those already greenlit, such as “X-Men ’97,” “Spider-Man: Freshman Year,” and “Marvel Zombies,” the idea of a Rocket Raccoon spin-off series is certainly an enticing prospect for fans. The return of Rocket to the MCU is eagerly anticipated, and his potential spin-off adventures would undoubtedly be a fun addition to the Marvel universe.