Bradley Cooper is in early discussions to voice Rocket Raccoon for Marvel cinematic universe newcomer "Guardians of the Galaxy," a person familiar with the project told TheWrap.
An offer is in place and talks are ongoing, though no deal has been made. "Guardians" would be Cooper's first time voicing an animated character.
Marvel's interest in Cooper was first reported by the website Latino Review.
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The role would give the "Hangover" star a chance to interpret a comicbook character that was deeply obscure for decades — until Disney greenlit the movie, when Rocket became an instant topic of discussion among fanboys eager to embrace the blast-happy woodland creature from outer space.
Rocket's look was finally revealed in sizzle-reel footage shown at Comic-Con and later at Disney's D23 Expo — he appears natural, like the critters who dig in your garbage can, as opposed to stylized comicbook versions down the years — but his voice and personality were still a mystery, sparking speculation about whom Marvel would choose to bring him to life.
Vin Diesel was among the names floated for Rocket, though it's now strongly rumored that the "Fast and the Furious" star will instead voice the giant tree-like creature Groot — another Guardian of the Galaxy, and Rocket Raccoon's best friend.
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Introduced in 1969, the Guardians of the Galaxy are an Avengers-like superhero team from the 31st Century who exist in an alternate time-line from the Marvel Universe, but would often interact with its mainstream characters to help defeat intergalactic threats. Part of Marvel's cinematic Phase 2, the film stars Chris Pratt as their leader, Peter Quill, with sidekicks Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax the Destroyer (Dave Batista), Rocket and Groot.
Cooper is repped by CAA, which did not respond to multiple requests for comment.