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In a second viewing, it appears that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hints at the potential new leader of the team from the very beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe film. Over three movies spanning nine years, the Guardians of the Galaxy saga concluded the original team composition, significantly changing most of its members and sending them on a different journey. Although the MCU hasn’t explored the story of the new Guardians in depth yet, the possibility of Rocket leading the group returning in a future MCU project is intriguing, especially given how impressive some of the new recruits seem to be.

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, there’s a significant emphasis on Rocket’s MCU narrative, setting him up as the leader of the group in the future. This transition is carefully established in the movie before it unfolds on screen. What makes this interesting is that hints towards this development seem to be subtly introduced right from the beginning of the film. This is quite remarkable because these subtle signs can be missed without a second viewing of the Marvel movie.

Guardians Of The Galaxy 3 Sees The MCU Team Get A New Lineup & Leader

Rocket Gets An Upgrade In The New Guardians Of The Galaxy Lineup

Following two films featuring similar character ensembles, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” introduces a shift by writing off Gamora from the team. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the original Gamora was sacrificed by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, while the present Gamora lacks memories of her time with the group. In lieu of Gamora, Nebula is brought into the mix instead, signaling a new direction for the team. This early change sets the stage for a major overhaul in the “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” finale, leaving only Groot and Rocket from the original lineup standing by the end.

Instead, the latest incarnation of the Guardians of the Galaxy consists of some pre-existing Guardians, along with Adam Warlock, Cosmo, Kraglin, and Phyla. Given that most of these characters are relatively new to heroics, it’s quite plausible that Rocket Raccoon takes on the leadership role within this team. This is well-portrayed in the film when Star-Lord passes the mantle to his comrade, and in the post-credits of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 when Rocket issues orders to the new team before they engage in a coming fight.

In an unexpected twist, unlike what many fans anticipated before watching the third Guardians of the Galaxy movie, Rocket didn’t die but instead became the group’s leader. This development, which might not have been obvious prior to the film’s release, fits well with the storyline for the trilogy. Upon rewatching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, it becomes clear that this plot point was subtly hinted and foreshadowed from the very beginning of the movie.

Guardians Of The Galaxy 3 Teases Rocket Being Star-Lord’s Successor As Team Leader From Its First Seconds Onwards

Rocket Succeeding Star-Lord As The Guardians Leader Is First Teased Early On

The Guardians of the Galaxy franchise has a unique musical theme woven into its storyline, with strategically placed song selections and a collection of nostalgic tunes becoming iconic for the trilogy and several memorable scenes. This connection to music is justified within the series by establishing an in-story link to these song choices; the original leader and main character, Star-Lord, is portrayed as selecting the songs himself, initially from a Walkman given to him by his mother Meredith as a child, and later from a Zune left behind by his pseudo-father figure Yondu.

In the opening scenes of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”, Rocket is seen enjoying Quill’s Zune, with Radiohead’s “I’m A Creep” serving as the movie’s introductory tune. Despite Quill’s attempts to reclaim it, Rocket manages to snatch it away again, only for them both to be attacked by Adam Warlock and rendering Rocket incapacitated for a significant portion of the film. After a sequence of other songs and events, Star-Lord gifts the Zune to Rocket when he assumes leadership of the team, marking their separation in the film’s closing act.

Initially, it appears that Rocket using the device while Peter and the team were blipped in Avengers: Endgame is just a fun reference to Rocket possibly growing fond of the music player during that period. But upon closer observation, this detail could also hint at Rocket being set up as Quill’s successor in a symbolic sense. This is suggested by Rocket taking a more active role in selecting the movie’s songs and by the stories of Star-Lord and Rocket becoming more intertwined through this action.

Guardians Of The Galaxy’s Team Changes Make Rewatching The Trilogy’s Finale Even Better

Revisiting The Iconic MCU Movie More Than Once Makes Its Story All The Better

Watching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 again might offer a unique viewing experience compared to the first time, considering that the original Guardians group disbands at the end of the movie to pursue separate paths. As new members join and Rocket takes on a leadership role, revisiting the film provides an opportunity to spot hints and foreshadowing that may not be as apparent during the initial viewing.

In the context of Rocket’s promotion to Guardians leader, his early efforts to save Lylla, Floor, and Teefs serve as clear indications that he was destined for this role, as evidenced by his instinctive decision to free them when informed they were going to be killed. Likewise, the post-credits scene where Rocket inquires about the team’s favorite music brings us full circle back to the beginning of the film and Rocket’s personal history with the Zune.

In summary, it’s worth noting that Rocket isn’t the only character with notable moments when rewatched; both the old and new Guardians have their own subtle instances that take on greater significance. These hint at the development of Adam Warlock before he emerges as a hero. This layering makes “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” a fitting conclusion to the original team’s saga and an intriguing start for its successor, particularly due to the focus on the new leader’s narrative.

2025-05-29 20:30