Does Rocket die at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3? The latest film in Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has arrived in theaters. GotG 3 concludes director James Gunn’s trilogy of superhero movies surrounding a mismatched team of characters from all over the galaxy who find a family with each other and save the world. With the newest film in theaters and teaser material containing a few foreboding quotes from Rocket (Bradley Cooper), such as, “We’ll all fly away together one last time into the forever and beautiful sky,” MCU fans may be wondering if Rocket dies at the end of this upcoming trilogy capper. Fortunately, we know the answer.
Beware, there are plenty of spoilers for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 below!
Does Rocket die in Guardians of the Galaxy 3?
No, Rocket doesn’t die in Guardians of the Galaxy 3.
However, the answer is a little more complicated than you would expect. There is a death scene with Rocket in the film, but Rocket survives by the end. The trailers and official premise of the movie are intentionally vague about what happens in the story. The film’s inciting event occurs when Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) attacks the Guardians, incapacitating Rocket with a lethal blow.
The rest of the movie follows the Guardians of the Galaxy trying to find the people who sent Adam Warlock, while making sure Rocket stays alive. Throughout the narrative, we see flashbacks to Rocket’s origins under the cruel hand of the High Evolutionary (Chikwudi Iwuji). However, during one pivotal scene in the film, Rocket finds himself on the cusp of death, devastating Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), truly believing he has lost his friend forever.
In Rocket’s mind, he reunites with his former friends that he grew up with, including an otter named Lylla (Linda Cardellini). She encourages him to keep living with his new family, and Rocket springs back to life. He fights alongside the Guardians in the final battle and completes his arc, embracing his status as a raccoon and saving the day with his family.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is now playing in theaters.