The appearance of Baby Rocket in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 just made Rocket's death potentially even more heartbreaking. Ever since it was teased that the third Guardians of the Galaxy movie would be an emotional finale for the original iteration of the team, audiences have been preparing to see at least one member die. The first Guardians of the Galaxy 3 trailer only added to that belief by teasing some of the hardships that the team will face. Seeing any of the main members die will be sad for most audiences come May 2023, but one moment makes the possibility of Rocket dying more devastating.

The inclusion of Baby Rocket in the Guardians of the Galaxy 3 trailer is another sign of just how heartbreaking it will be to see the trash panda perish in Phase 5. Audiences have come to really love Rocket over the years thanks to his great character development through the main franchise and his role in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Now that viewers are even more invested in his arc, Marvel and James Gunn including a very cute Baby Rocket will only make people more attached to him. That could be a cruel way for Guardians of the Galaxy 3's Rocket death to emotionally wreck viewers even more.

Why Baby Rocket Is So Important To Guardians of the Galaxy 3


Including Baby Rocket in Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is more than just a cheap way for James Gunn to make audiences like Rocket even more before his possible demise. It is known that the movie is going to finally explore Rocket's tragic origin story and the experimenting he endured from the High Evolutionary. Guardians of the Galaxy 3's Baby Rocket is a tease of this story, as his terrified expression hints at the emotional trauma of his past. This portion of the movie will also be instrumental in setting up the High Evolutionary as the team's main villain. So, Baby Rocket's appearance teases two of the sequel's biggest storylines.

Why Audiences Are Convinced Rocket Dies In Guardians of the Galaxy 3


The reason that there are so many theories that Rocket dies in Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is mostly tied to his arc. Rocket began his MCU journey as a mostly selfish character who was more interested in making money and saving himself than risking anything to help someone else. This has changed drastically over the years to the point where Rocket was responsible for motivating Thor in Avengers: Endgame and became a true leader. Guardians of the Galaxy 3 killing Rocket would be a chance for his MCU story to end with the ultimate sacrifice if it meant keeping the other Guardians members alive.

It also is no secret that James Gunn is very connected to Rocket's story. He has mentioned that Rocket is the most relatable character he's ever had, so he could be extra protective of making sure the raccoon gets a satisfying conclusion. Rocket dying in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 would mean that James Gunn's MCU exit includes wrapping up his favorite character's story, even if that means giving audiences a heartbreaking finale to do so.