Oreo, the racoon who inspired Rocket from 'Guardians of the Galaxy', dies after short illness

Oreo, the racoon who was the model for Rocket in the Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers movies, has died following a short illness.

He was 10.

The news was announced by his owners on Facebook.

“We have only the saddest news today,” they wrote. “Our hearts are broken as we have lost our best friend, our Guardian of our Galaxy Mr Oreo Raccoon.

“Oreo passed away in the early hours of this morning after a very short illness. Many thanks to our wonderful vets for their compassion and care.

“Oreo you made so many people’s lives happy. You have been an amazing ambassador for raccoons everywhere.”

Oreo was used in motion capture during the making of the movies, to accurately convey real racoon movements and mannerisms, and famously accompanied director James Gunn down the red carpet at the first movie’s premiere in London in 2014.

“You loved all people of all ages and other animals too and were never phased by anything be it a walk down the red carpet as Rocket Raccoon, a trip to a hospice to visit a sick child or anything else that came your way. You just enjoyed everything and it showed,” the statement went on.

You instinctively knew when to calm, when to be bouncy and we never worried that you would do the wrong thing because you never did.

You were perfect.

“Have fun up there over the Rainbow Bridge my darling. I hope, no I know they will all love you as much as we do. We will miss you so, so much. Fly high Oreo, our super hero.”

Rocket Racoon is voiced by Bradley Cooper in the Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers movies.

He’ll next be seen in Avengers: Endgame, out on April 25.

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