Disney Execs Originally Skeptical With Bradley Cooper Voicing Rocket in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’
For fans of Guardians of the Galaxy it is almost impossible to imagine someone other than Bradley Cooper voicing the role of Rocket Racoon but that’s what could have happened had one Marvel executive had his way!
James Gunn took to Twitter this week for a Q&A where the subject of Cooper voicing the role of Rocket came up. He noted that this was a casting decision that was initially met with a fair share of skepticism. In the thread which we’ll share below, James recalled a discussion he had with an ex Disney executive regarding the now iconic role. It started when a Twitter user asked, “How in the world did Bradley Cooper be cast as Rocket.”
How in the world did Bradley Cooper be cast as Rocket, cuz he's perfect, but I still can't image him behind that voice! Rocket & Groot are my fav characters. So much heart in them, a vulnerability and innocence that is so refreshing beneath the gruff exterior.
— B.J. Peterson 🎅🎄 (@bjxmas) December 22, 2020
Gunn replied by remembering his conversation where the executive asked him why he hired Cooper if he didn’t sound like himself in the film. To which Gunn made it perfectly clear that Cooper’s role in the film was to build Rocket as his own distinct character in the film through his voice.
One exec – who is no longer with Marvel Studios/Disney – saw an early cut & said “Why did we pay money for Bradley Cooper if he doesn’t even sound like Bradley Cooper!?” I was like, we hired him because he’s a great ACTOR. That’s the point! He’s creating a CHARACTER! https://t.co/TzW7IMQ4gB
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 22, 2020
If you’ve seen the Guardians of the Galaxy films you’ll know that Rocket’s voice is one that has required Cooper to adjust his voice from his natural speaking voice. As a recent piece in The Direct puts it, Cooper found a way to make Rocket sound gruff and intimidating while at the same time also displaying a tenderness and vulnerability which really comes into its own in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. The end result is a character that has quickly become a fan favorite.
As we previously reported here at MickeyBlog, one of the rumors for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is that the film will delve more into Rocket’s backstory meaning Cooper’s involvement will continue to be integral to the franchise. This is a story that we’ll continue to follow closley here at MickeyBlog. Readers are encouraged to keep checking back with us for further news and updates.
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Source: TheDirect