“I’m thinking about changing”: James Gunn Has Regrets Over Rocket Raccoon Easter Eggs From Guardians of the Galaxy
**Spoilers Ahead for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3**
James Gunn regretted referencing Rocket Raccoon’s long-time friend Lylla in the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie. As the saga came to an end, the tear-jerking last part was the perfect finale to bid the franchise farewell. Among which the part that the audience most resonated with was, Rocket’s heartwrenching backstory. The extremely witty mastermind with a heart hidden beneath a furry exterior aka Rocket was one of the best bits of the Marvel Cinematic Universe let alone the GOTG saga. The character soared from the pages of comic books to capture the hearts of the fans in no time.
In the recent installment, the audience witnessed the raccoon’s backstory and got introduced to some of his dreams, aspirations, and friends. One among which was Lylla, the two were each other’s favorite pals from the comic books and James Gunn had the intention of integrating Rocket’s long-lost friend in the sequels. But was facing difficulty in doing so thus, was thinking of “changing” his plans, and regretted the subtle nod at the character in the first installment.
Also Read: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Has Already Shut Down Haters With Brilliant $120M Box Office Run
Lylla’s reference in the first Guardian of the Galaxy movie
As everybody knows, James Gunn loves a good easter egg, that only a keen-eyed fan could catch. Therefore, in hopes to integrate Rocket’s (voiced by Bradley Cooper) long-time love interest Lylla (voiced by Linda Cardellini) in the future, the director left in a not-so-subtle easter egg in the 2014 movie. In a written profile that appears on the screen serves as a visual easter egg following the super raccoon’s arrest. This also included a reference that the High Evolutionary designated him in the latest installment that is, Vol. 3.
Rocket was mentioned as “Subject:89P13” and under the “associates” was the name Lylla. Given that Rocket was the only one to survive the escape attempt it seems unlikely that the Nova Corps would be aware of her existence. While speaking at the E3 World Building Panel in June 2017, the director revealed,
“In the first movie there is the mugshot sequence where the characters go through and they’re going through the mugshots and having their picture taken. And the Nova Corps has information about each of the characters coming up on their machinery. Those things are something that your average viewer doesn’t see at all. But there’s a lot of background I put into those things about who they’ve worked with, where they are from, what’s going on. And it’s one of those things that I’m thinking about changing.”
By noting Groot and Lylla as Rocket’s “associates”, Gunn was probably expecting Lylla to appear in one or both of the Guardians sequels as a companion and romantic counterpart as she does in the comics. But just couldn’t find the perfect moment to do so, and therefore had to change his plans.
The changes James Gunn made fit perfectly at the end
It was confusing for people as to how James Gunn would incorporate the most anticipated character in Vol. 3. Although he did have plans to bring Lylla out way earlier, he waited for the perfect moment to do it. And it was indeed perfect. The flashbacks that James Gunn incorporated at the Vol. 3 was one of the best parts of the movie. This revealed a never-before-seen side of Rocket and some integral details from his life, one of which was Lylla.
As her death was one of the reasons, Rocket never gave up and never backed down. It made him the way he is today, the scene answered so many unanswered questions to the fans that had kept them up for several nights. Well, now that it is been done, people can sleep peacefully at night.
Although many people had many theories regarding the introduction of the character, upon witnessing James Gunn’s take nobody is complaining. Even though Gunn initially probably decided to indulge Lylla in missions along with Rocket, just like in the comic books, this heartwarming take instead has been proved better by the audience’s reactions.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is now out in theaters worldwide for people to enjoy.
Source: Gizmodo
