51 Years Ago Today, the MCU’s Most Underrated Actor Was Born (And His Performance Is in the Top 3)

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I’ve always been amazed by the incredible cast in the MCU, but today I’m thinking about one performer who truly stands out. It’s hard to believe it’s been over a decade since Iron Man launched this amazing universe and suddenly everyone in Hollywood wanted in! So many actors have become huge stars thanks to the MCU, but this one… well, he’s different. What’s truly remarkable is that he’s managed to become a fan favorite despite never actually showing his face. He’s just that good!

Born on January 5, 1975, Bradley Cooper is celebrating his 51st birthday today. He started his career with comedic roles in films like Wet Hot American Summer, Wedding Crashers, and the Hangover trilogy, as well as the TV series Alias. Later, Cooper successfully transitioned to more dramatic work with films such as The Place Beyond the Pines, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Sniper. He’s also become a respected director, with credits including A Star is Born (2018), Maestro (2023), and the upcoming Is This Thing On? (2025).

Bradley Cooper’s Rocket Raccoon Performance Is Overlooked in the MCU

Bradley Cooper is now known for his dramatic roles and award-winning performances, but many people don’t realize he’s also a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He provides the voice for Rocket Raccoon in all three Guardians of the Galaxy films, as well as Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. He’s continued the role in the TV series I Am Groot and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.

Rocket began as a funny character, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe later revealed a deeply sad side to him. The Guardians movies explored his past trauma, developing him into one of the most complex and well-developed characters in the series. The latest film focuses on Rocket’s personal story, ultimately showing how essential he is to the team’s unity.

As a huge Marvel fan, I’ve always been impressed with Rocket. His journey in the Avengers films really shows how much the MCU values him. Considering most of the Guardians were gone by Endgame, the fact that Rocket fought alongside the original Avengers speaks volumes. Putting him on that same heroic level as Iron Man and Captain America? That’s a huge deal, and it’s all thanks to the incredible work James Gunn and Bradley Cooper have put into developing this character. It just proves what a standout he’s become.

Bradley Cooper’s portrayal of Rocket is a standout performance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 includes some deeply moving scenes featuring Rocket, and Cooper’s acting is what makes those moments so impactful. He skillfully balances Rocket’s humorous side with his character’s underlying pain and tendency to distance himself from others. What’s even more remarkable is that Cooper voiced Rocket as both a child and an adult throughout the film.

What’s truly remarkable is that Bradley Cooper achieves all of this using only his voice. Unlike most of the MCU’s stars who appear on screen, Cooper brings Rocket to life entirely through vocal performance. He collaborates with Sean Gunn’s motion capture work to create the illusion of a living character, and he does it exceptionally well. Even though he’s essentially playing a talking raccoon, Cooper’s performance stands out among almost everyone else in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Will Rocket Raccoon Return In The MCU?

Rocket last appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and it’s currently unclear what his role will be in future Marvel Cinematic Universe movies. The film’s end credits showed Rocket taking charge of a new team of Guardians after Peter, Gamora, and Drax moved on. He’s now exploring space with Groot, Kraglin, Cosmo, Adam, Blurp, and Phyla as his fellow Guardians.

Although Peter Quill will be back in future Marvel Cinematic Universe films thanks to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, it’s still unclear when we’ll see Rocket again. Bradley Cooper, who voices Rocket, hasn’t been confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday, suggesting Rocket might not be in that movie. This is a bit surprising given how important Rocket was in Infinity War and Endgame, but it makes more sense considering the other Guardians haven’t been announced for the film either.

It would be disappointing if Rocket’s story ended so soon, especially after he just became the Guardians’ leader. He’s had one of the most interesting journeys in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it would feel unfinished if his arc ended here. While it’s unlikely the next Avengers films will bring the Guardians into the mix, he could return in a future cosmic Marvel movie or a Guardians of the Galaxy spin-off.

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2026-01-06 00:45