Bradley Cooper Took Inspiration For GotG’s Rocket From This Gangster Classic
Looks like Joe Pesci's vibe played a role in shaping Rocket's personality
Rocket from the Guardians of the Galaxy series, this unique talking raccoon with a knack for weapons and a sharp tongue, has been a fan favorite since his debut. But did you know that the inspiration for Rocket's character came from an unexpected source?
Bradley Cooper, the voice behind Rocket, revealed that his inspiration for the character came from an unlikely source — Tommy DeVito, a character from the classic gangster movie Goodfellas.
DeVito, played by Joe Pesci, is a charismatic yet volatile character, and it's this blend of charm and unpredictability that Cooper channeled into Rocket. The actor found a way to infuse Rocket's character with DeVito's unique energy, creating a character that is both endearing and explosive.
Cooper's portrayal of Rocket has been widely acclaimed, with some even suggesting that it's his best role to date. Despite being a nine-time Oscar nominee, Cooper has yet to win the prestigious award.
Some speculate that his role as a digital raccoon might be the reason for this. However, the actor's performance as Rocket has undoubtedly left a significant impact on audiences worldwide.
Cooper's commitment to the role is also reflected in his earnings. According to Forbes, Cooper was able to command about 1% of the back end on Avengers: Endgame, netting him about $7 million for his portrayal of Rocket Raccoon in the film.
This indicates that for his seven total appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Cooper likely earned about $20 to $30 million.
Cooper's connection with Rocket goes beyond the financial aspect. In an interview with Good Morning America, Cooper shared that playing Rocket was very emotional for him.
The final film in the Marvel trilogy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, delved deeper into Rocket's backstory, allowing audiences to understand how he came to be.
Cooper stated, "Rocket went through a lot," indicating the emotional connection he built with the character.
Interestingly, watching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 reportedly made Bradley Cooper cry. The actor's emotional connection to the character and the series is evident, making his portrayal of Rocket all the more compelling.