10 More Movie Moments Everyone Was Waiting For (That Never Happened)
2. Rocket's Death - Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3
Within the atmosphere of a very disappointing post-Endgame run for the MCU, there was nothing that was going to dampen expectations for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. The team of wacky misfits has been one of the franchise's most popular properties ever since 2014, and this was to be their big send-off.
In particular, James Gunn said in the build-up to the movie that the threequel would bring Rocket's story full circle. This was very ominous, and after Groot and Yondu were killed in Volumes 1 and 2 respectively, it seemed very likely that Rocket would be the next Guardian to bite the dust.
Even throughout the movie itself, this seemed like the way things would go. Rocket's tragic past was explored like never before, and he spent much of the movie on death's door. The entire plot surrounded Star-Lord and company taking on the High Evolutionary and Orgocorp in order to save their friend's life.
There was even a scene in which he essentially asked Lylla if he could join her, Teefs, and Floor in the afterlife, to which she answered yes... just not yet. Instead of dying, Rocket emerged as the leader of the new-look Guardians of the Galaxy. It turns out the movie had more than enough of an emotional hit without his death.