The Unseen Voices: 5 Shocking Actors Who Have Played Rocket Raccoon (Beyond Bradley Cooper)

The question of "who plays Rocket Raccoon" is far more complex than a simple Google search reveals, especially following the emotional depth of *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3*. While most fans immediately name the Oscar-nominated A-lister behind the voice, the truth is that the genetically engineered raccoon is brought to life by a team of talented individuals, with the latest update being the introduction of a new, heartbreaking voice for his younger self. As of December 18, 2025, the primary voice remains the same, but the character's full vocal history spans multiple actors across the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and other media, creating a rich tapestry of performances that define the beloved Guardian. The definitive voice of the adult, foul-mouthed, and brilliant Rocket Raccoon in the MCU is, and has always been, the renowned Hollywood actor and director, Bradley Cooper. However, the character's physical presence on set, his younger voices, and his portrayal in video games and animated series are all handled by a fascinating ensemble of other professionals, proving that it takes more than one star to create a galactic legend.

Bradley Cooper: The Definitive Voice of Rocket Raccoon (MCU)

The most famous and recognizable voice behind the MCU's Rocket Raccoon is that of Bradley Cooper. His casting was a major surprise when the first *Guardians of the Galaxy* film was announced in 2014, as he was primarily known for leading roles in dramatic and comedic films, not voice acting. Cooper’s performance is celebrated for giving the character a world-weary cynicism and a surprising emotional vulnerability that grounds the space opera.

Bradley Charles Cooper: Biography and Profile

Bradley Cooper, born Bradley Charles Cooper, is an American actor and filmmaker. His extensive career has earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Academy Award nominations for acting, directing, and producing.

• Full Name: Bradley Charles Cooper
• Born: January 5, 1975
• Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Education: Georgetown University (B.A. in English), Actors Studio Drama School (M.F.A.)
• Notable MCU Appearances as Rocket:
  • *Guardians of the Galaxy* (2014)
  • *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2* (2017)
  • *Avengers: Infinity War* (2018)
  • *Avengers: Endgame* (2019)
  • *Thor: Love and Thunder* (2022)
  • *The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special* (2022)
  • *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* (2023)
• Other Major Film Roles: *The Hangover* trilogy, *Silver Linings Playbook*, *American Sniper*, *A Star Is Born*, *Maestro*.

Cooper's voice work is unique because he records his lines completely separately from the rest of the cast. While many animated projects record actors together to capture chemistry, Cooper's star power and busy schedule meant he often worked alone, with director James Gunn guiding his performance to match the on-set work of another key actor.

The Secret Team: The Actors Who Truly Bring Rocket to Life

The character of Rocket Raccoon is a masterpiece of modern visual effects, requiring two distinct actors to fully realize him: a voice actor and a motion-capture performer. Furthermore, the character's tragic backstory in *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* introduced two additional voices for his past.

The On-Set Performer: Sean Gunn (Motion-Capture and Young Rocket Voice)

While Bradley Cooper provides the final, polished voice, the physical performance of Rocket Raccoon in every MCU film is handled by Sean Gunn, the brother of director James Gunn. Sean Gunn's role is critical. He wears a motion-capture suit on set, interacting with the other actors (like Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord and Zoe Saldaña’s Gamora) so they have a physical reference point for the 3-foot-tall raccoon. This process, often referred to as "Rocket Raccoon's physical embodiment," is what allows the Guardians to react realistically to Rocket's presence. Crucially, in *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3*, Sean Gunn also provided the voice of Young Rocket during the flashbacks. This was the version of Rocket who was slightly older than "Baby Rocket" but still in the High Evolutionary’s cage, capable of speaking in short sentences to his friends Lylla, Floor, and Teefs. This dual role—motion capture for the adult and voice for the young speaking version—makes Sean Gunn an indispensable part of the character's legacy.

The Voice of Innocence: Noah Raskin (Baby Rocket)

The most recent and perhaps most emotionally resonant addition to the Rocket Raccoon cast is Noah Raskin. Raskin is credited as the voice of "Baby Rocket" in *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3*. This version of the character, seen in the earliest and most heartbreaking flashbacks, does not speak in full sentences. Instead, Raskin provided the sounds, cries, and small, innocent vocalizations that conveyed the character's pain and confusion during his initial experiments. This detail highlights the meticulous effort by director James Gunn to separate the various stages of Rocket's life, ensuring the audience felt the full impact of his tragic origin story.

Beyond the MCU: Other Actors Who Have Voiced Rocket

The MCU films are not the only place the character of Rocket Raccoon exists. Across other media, different actors have been cast to voice the smart-mouthed Guardian, providing excellent topical authority for fans of the wider Marvel universe.

Nolan North

A veteran voice actor known for roles like Nathan Drake in the *Uncharted* series, Nolan North has frequently stepped into Rocket’s shoes for major video game titles. Most recently, he voiced the character in the 2024 video game *Marvel Rivals*, as well as in *Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series* (2017). His portrayal often captures a more overtly aggressive and comedic version of the character, distinct from Cooper's more dramatic take.

Trevor Devall

Canadian voice actor Trevor Devall voiced Rocket Raccoon in the animated series *Avengers Assemble* and other related animated projects. His extensive background in animation voice work gave his Rocket a more classic, cartoon-like energy, appealing to a younger audience.

The Animated Ensemble

The character has been voiced by several other talented actors in various animated appearances and video games, showcasing the character's popularity and versatility across different platforms. This list includes:

• Greg Ellis: Known for various animated roles.
• Seth Green: Also known for voicing Howard the Duck in the MCU.
• Billy West: A legendary voice actor (Fry and Zoidberg in *Futurama*).
• John DiMaggio: The voice of Bender in *Futurama* and Jake the Dog in *Adventure Time*.
• Steve Blum: A highly prolific voice actor known for his deep, gravelly voice.

The Complexity of Rocket Raccoon's Performance

The final answer to "who plays Rocket Raccoon" is a layered one, reflecting the complexity of the character himself. It is a unique synergy between a major Hollywood star and a dedicated motion-capture performer. The success of Rocket Raccoon hinges on the seamless collaboration between Bradley Cooper's vocal performance and Sean Gunn's physical one. Cooper provides the emotional core and the recognizable voice that sells the character's genius and pain. Gunn, on the other hand, gives the character a physical presence, ensuring that Rocket's gestures, movements, and interactions with the other Guardians feel natural and believable on screen. The addition of Noah Raskin and Sean Gunn voicing the younger versions in *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* was a masterstroke, allowing the film to fully explore the character's tragic origin. It confirmed that Rocket Raccoon is not just a CGI creation; he is a fully realized character brought to life by multiple actors working in perfect harmony, a testament to the magic of modern filmmaking and the enduring popularity of the little, grumpy Guardian.