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The Three Actors Who Bring Rocket Raccoon To Life: Latest Updates And Surprising Salary Details

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The question of "who plays Rocket Raccoon" is one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) most persistent and surprising trivia facts. As of December 22, 2025, the distinctive, gravelly voice of the genetically-modified raccoon is, of course, provided by Academy Award-nominated Hollywood superstar Bradley Cooper. However, the full answer is far more complex and involves a trio of actors who collaboratively bring the beloved character to life, a detail often missed by casual fans.

The latest updates confirm that Bradley Cooper continues his tenure as the voice of Rocket, most recently returning for the Disney+ animated shorts, *I Am Groot*. Furthermore, the emotional depth and on-screen presence of Rocket, particularly in the critically acclaimed *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3*, involved two other key performers, one of whom has recently stepped back from his long-standing physical role.

Bradley Cooper: The Voice of Rocket Raccoon

Bradley Cooper, a renowned actor, director, and producer, has been the consistent voice of Rocket since the character’s debut in 2014’s *Guardians of the Galaxy*. His involvement was a major surprise to many, as his star power typically commands leading on-screen roles, making his voice-only performance a testament to the character’s importance.

Bradley Cooper's Key Roles and Filmography

  • Voice Actor: Rocket Raccoon (MCU Franchise)
  • Actor: *The Hangover* Trilogy (Phil Wenneck)
  • Actor/Director: *A Star Is Born* (Jackson Maine)
  • Actor/Director: *Maestro* (Leonard Bernstein)
  • Actor: *American Sniper* (Chris Kyle)
  • Actor: *Silver Linings Playbook* (Pat Solitano)

Cooper's voice work is often praised for giving the abrasive, yet deeply emotional, character a unique blend of cynicism and vulnerability. Director James Gunn specifically sought a voice that could convey both the character's genius and his deep-seated pain stemming from his traumatic origins as Subject 89P13.

The Surprising Financials Behind the Voice Role

While many voice actors are paid a flat fee, a star of Cooper’s magnitude commands a significant salary, even for a voice-only role. The financial details of his MCU contract have been a subject of fascination, demonstrating the value placed on a major star's involvement.

  • Estimated Earnings: Cooper is estimated to have earned between $20 million and $30 million for voicing Rocket Raccoon across his MCU appearances, which includes the three *Guardians of the Galaxy* films, *Avengers: Infinity War*, and *Avengers: Endgame*.
  • Backend Deal: For major crossover films like *Avengers: Endgame*, Cooper was able to negotiate a percentage of the film's "backend," or profits, which reportedly earned him about $7 million for that single movie.
  • Value Proposition: Cooper's involvement lends significant star power and credibility to the character, justifying the substantial investment by Marvel Studios.

Sean Gunn: Rocket's On-Set Physical Presence

The character of Rocket Raccoon is a complex CGI creation, but his on-set movements, body language, and interactions with the other actors are grounded in a real-life performance. This vital role is played by Sean Gunn, the brother of *Guardians of the Galaxy* director James Gunn. Sean Gunn is, therefore, the second indispensable actor who "plays" Rocket.

Sean Gunn performs the motion-capture for Rocket Raccoon on set. He wears a grey suit and acts out Rocket’s scenes, allowing the other actors—like Chris Pratt (Star-Lord) and Dave Bautista (Drax)—to interact with a physical presence rather than a tennis ball on a stick. This process is crucial for the chemistry and natural flow of the scenes, particularly the close-knit dynamic of the Guardians team.

Recent Updates on Sean Gunn's Role

Following the release of *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3*, Sean Gunn announced a significant change to his involvement. He stated that he has "officially retired" from the on-set motion capture for Rocket Raccoon. This decision is likely due to the character's story arc concluding in the *Guardians* trilogy and the increasing sophistication of CGI technology. However, Sean Gunn remains a key part of the franchise, as he also plays the character Kraglin Obfonteri, a Ravager who takes on Yondu’s arrow.

Noah Raskin and the Emotional Origin of Rocket

The third actor who plays a version of Rocket Raccoon came to prominence with the release of *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3*. That film delved into Rocket’s heartbreaking origin story, revealing his traumatic past as an experimental subject under the villainous High Evolutionary.

To portray the younger version of the character, director James Gunn cast a separate voice actor. In the flashbacks to Rocket’s early life, the voice of the innocent, pre-cyborg-modification "Baby Rocket" is provided by a young actor named Noah Raskin.

This casting choice was a deliberate artistic decision. The raw, unrefined voice of a child provided a stark contrast to Bradley Cooper's mature, battle-hardened voice, emphasizing the tragic transformation the character underwent. Raskin's performance was integral to the most emotional parts of the final film in the trilogy, cementing his place in the character's legacy.

Rocket Raccoon’s Ongoing MCU Future

While *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* served as a powerful conclusion to the original team’s saga, the character of Rocket Raccoon is confirmed to continue his journey in the MCU. At the end of the film, Rocket takes on the mantle of the new leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Key Entities and Future Appearances:

  • New Leader: Rocket Raccoon is now the captain of the new Guardians team, alongside members like Groot, Kraglin, Adam Warlock, and Phyla-Vell.
  • Latest Appearance: Bradley Cooper voiced Rocket in the *I Am Groot* animated shorts for Disney+, confirming his continued involvement in non-feature film projects.
  • Future: As a surviving member and a central figure in the cosmic side of the MCU, Rocket is expected to appear in future crossover events or other cosmic-focused Marvel projects, with Bradley Cooper continuing as his voice.

The collaborative effort of Bradley Cooper's distinctive voice, Sean Gunn's physical performance, and the emotional foundation laid by Noah Raskin's Baby Rocket is what truly makes the character of Rocket Raccoon one of the most dynamic and beloved figures in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. The character's journey from a cynical, damaged fugitive to a selfless hero and leader is a testament to the talent of all three performers.

who plays rocket raccoon
who plays rocket raccoon

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