When it comes to the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, most of the attention goes to the A-list cast of Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, and Bradley Cooper as the voice of Rocket Raccoon. But there's one actor who deserves more recognition for his contribution to the films: Sean Gunn.
Gunn may not have the star power of his co-stars, but his role in the Guardians films is just as important. Not only does he play the Ravager Kraglin, one of Yondu's right-hand men, but he also serves as the motion-capture actor for Rocket.
That's right, while Cooper provides Rocket's voice, it's Gunn who brings the character to life on set. He dons a motion-capture suit and acts out Rocket's movements and facial expressions, which are later replaced with CGI in post-production.
It's a demanding and often overlooked job, but Gunn nails it. His physical performance perfectly captures Rocket's snarky attitude and quick movements. He also has great chemistry with the other actors, particularly Cooper, which makes their scenes together all the more believable.
But it's not just his work as Rocket that makes Gunn a valuable member of the Guardians team. As Kraglin, he brings a different energy to the films. While Rocket is all snark and sarcasm, Kraglin is more earnest and loyal. Gunn plays him with a sincerity that makes him a standout character in his own right.
And let's not forget that Gunn is also an accomplished writer and director. He wrote the screenplay for 2017's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and directed both the mid-credits scenes in that film and the post-credits scene in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. His contributions behind the camera have helped shape the Guardians franchise into the beloved series it is today.
In short, while Bradley Cooper's performance as Rocket is undeniably great, it's important to recognize Sean Gunn's equally important role in bringing the character to life. His work as both Rocket's motion-capture actor and as Kraglin add depth and nuance to the films, and his contributions as a writer and director have helped shape the franchise into the pop culture phenomenon it is today. So next time you watch a Guardians of the Galaxy film, be sure to give Sean Gunn the recognition he deserves.
It's also worth noting that Gunn's involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe goes beyond just the Guardians films. He has also appeared in other MCU movies, including both of the Avengers films and Thor: Ragnarok, as different characters.
But despite his diverse roles in the MCU, it's Gunn's work as Rocket and Kraglin that truly showcase his talents as an actor. As Rocket's motion-capture actor, he brings a physicality to the character that adds another layer of realism to the performance. And as Kraglin, he brings a heart and soul to a character that could have easily been overlooked in the hands of a lesser actor.
Gunn's commitment to his roles is evident in the behind-the-scenes footage of the Guardians films. He puts in long hours on set, perfecting his movements and interactions with the other actors. His dedication to the craft is inspiring, and it's no wonder that he has become a fan favorite among Marvel fans.
It's also important to note that Gunn's contributions to the Guardians films have not gone unnoticed by his co-stars and the film's director, James Gunn (who is also his brother). They have often praised his work and highlighted his importance to the films. In fact, James Gunn has even referred to Sean as his "secret weapon" in making the Guardians movies.
In conclusion, while Bradley Cooper's vocal performance as Rocket is certainly memorable, it's important to recognize Sean Gunn's equally important contributions to the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. As Rocket's motion-capture actor and as Kraglin, he brings depth and nuance to the films, and his work as a writer and director has helped shape the franchise into the phenomenon it is today. So the next time you watch a Guardians movie, take a moment to appreciate Sean Gunn's incredible talent and hard work.
