Sean Gunn says he is retired from Rocket Raccoon's motion-capture crouch

Sean Gunn says he is done crouching for Rocket Raccoon.

The actor told Variety he is retired from doing on-set motion capture for the Guardians of the Galaxy character. Motion capture, in this case, means performing the character's movements on set in a special suit so animators can use the performance as a guide.

It was a double act. Bradley Cooper provided Rocket's voice while Gunn performed the character's physical movements on set, according to the same interview. Gunn did that motion-capture work on all three Guardians of the Galaxy films, which premiered in 2014, 2017 and 2023.

Age caught up with him. Gunn said he is too old for the motion-reference work after turning 50 a couple of years ago. He is 52.

The problem is the pose. Performing Rocket means working for long stretches in a catcher's crouch, low to the ground, then pivoting and moving. Gunn said it hurts after a while, with the strain landing on his feet and ankles.

His knees, at least, are fine. He made that point when discussing the retirement, Deadline reported.

Gunn was more than Rocket's stand-in. He played Kraglin Obfonteri, the Ravager turned Guardian, in Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Avengers: Endgame, Thor: Love and Thunder, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

He also said he has not been called to return as Rocket, TheWrap reported.

For fans, this draws a clear line under one half of Rocket. The voice can return anywhere. The crouch stays retired.