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James Gunn Reveals His Surprising Inspiration For Rocket Raccoon

James Gunn has revealed the ways in which his Rocket Raccoon was partially inspired by Frankenstein's Monster on the Avengers: Infinity War roundtable.

Turns out former MCU director James Gunn mined inspiration from the most unusual place when he sought about bringing Rocket Raccoon to the big screen – Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

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During the 10-year directors roundtable that’s included on Avengers: Infinity War‘s digital release (h/t CBM), Gunn elaborated on his initial approach to Sweet Rabbit Rocket Raccoon in the build-up to Guardians of the Galaxy.

As a matter of fact, Bradley Cooper’s sneering gangster soon became the heart of the movie, as his journey from reluctant loner to bona fide Guardian is one of the true highlights tucked away within the fabric of Marvel’s cosmic adventure.

For me, Rocket is Frankenstein’s monster. He is this little creature that was this innocent animal who was turned into something that isn’t what he is supposed to be, and is completely alone and completely lost, and has no connection, has no tenderness from anyone. To me, that was the seed from which the entire story grew.

And in case it wasn’t already apparent, this celebratory roundtable, one which featured such MCU veterans as Jon Favreau and Joss Whedon, was recorded prior to Disney’s decision to part ways with James Gunn after a series of gross and incendiary tweets emerged from 10 years ago.

Last night revealed the latest twist in the ongoing saga, too, which is that the Mouse House seemingly has no intention of reinstating Gunn at the helm of Vol. 3, prompting a search for possible replacements. Word is Favreau, Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok) and even the Russo Brothers (Avengers: Infinity War) have all come into contention to take over the reins, though Disney is purportedly in no rush to announce anything just yet.