'Avengers: Infinity War' cast, release date: Rocket Raccoon may be included

Guardians of the Galaxy - Rocket Raccoon Marvel Studios

"Avengers: Infinity War" parts one and two will have a lot of superheroes banding together to fight Thanos (Josh Brolin). Now, in a report from The Verge, screenwriter Christopher Markus may have slipped a hint that Rocket Raccoon may also be included in the roster, despite not originating from Earth. 

Rocket Racoon, voiced by actor Bradley Cooper, is an ally of Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) and was introduced in "Guardians of the Galaxy." The film takes place in deep space, far from Earth, but despite this it is now speculated he may be a part of the band of heroes that will fight against Thanos. 

"Whether they're a 12-foot purple guy, or a raccoon, or an android, they're all people, and we're going to write them as people," explained Markus. "You can't write them any other way. So, ideally it will stay grounded because you'll completely understand why the characters are doing what they're doing, and you will in some way or another empathize."

His response was to a question that pointed out how the writers have managed to keep films like "Captain America: Civil War" grounded in reality despite there being characters like Vision (Paul Bettany) and Spider-Man (Tom Holland). 

As stated in a report from Movie Pilot, this does not necessarily mean Rocket Raccoon or anyone else from "Guardians of the Galaxy" will be in the two "Avengers" films but it does give a slight glimmer of hope. It is pointed out that Thanos was involved in the first "Guardians of the Galaxy" movie and this may tie the Earth-based events to the adventures happening in outer space.

Another element that could tie these two together is the fact that Thanos is after the Infinity Stones and one of these stones was featured in "Guardians of the Galaxy." Thanos may accidentally bring the Guardians over to Earth in his attempt to steal the Infinity Stone that they have.

"Avengers: Infinity War" part one opens in May 4, 2018 while part two launches on May 3, 2019.

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.