Warning: Spoilers ahead for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Lylla and Rocket have been closely connected since 1982, and finally, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 brought Lylla's poignant tale to a wider audience. Lylla made her first appearance in The Incredible Hulk #271 comic, where she played a significant role in Rocket's life as his romantic interest. In 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy movie, Lylla's name briefly surfaced among Rocket's known associates, creating anticipation for her introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Lylla's entrance into the MCU has been eagerly awaited, and James Gunn expertly portrayed the character, delivering a profound and unforgettable message to viewers. Despite the tragic outcome for Lylla, her story has reignited important discussions regarding animal rights.
What happens to Lylla?
Lylla, along with Rocket, Teefs, and Floor, had the unfortunate experience of being subjected to the High Evolutionary's experiments. The High Evolutionary, undoubtedly one of the most feared villains in the entire MCU, engages in the horrifying acts of genetically modifying and mutilating living beings. His twisted belief is that he is enhancing the intelligence of these animals in an attempt to create a so-called 'perfect utopia'. However, while Lylla, Rocket, Teefs, and Floor initially believed they would be a part of this utopia, they soon discovered the horrific truth that the High Evolutionary intended to slaughter them once he was done experimenting on them.
During their time in captivity under the High Evolutionary, Lylla and Rocket developed an unbreakable bond and shared dreams of a life outside the confines of the laboratory. When Rocket learns of their impending slaughter, he musters the courage to free his group of friends. Successfully managing to liberate Lylla from her cage, Rocket and Lylla have only a fleeting moment of freedom before tragedy strikes. In a horrifying turn of events, the High Evolutionary shoots and kills Lylla, forever altering Rocket's life.
Whilst these scenes of animal cruelty are immensely hard to watch, James Gunn uses Lylla’s character to deliver an important message.
Why did Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 have such an important message?
The inclusion of distressing scenes of animal cruelty in a Marvel movie like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 has surprisingly divided its audience. Opinions vary among viewers, with some arguing that the film's depiction of animal cruelty was uncalled for, suggesting it went beyond acceptable limits in portraying animal testing.
The movie has received widespread praise for addressing a challenging subject, earning the title of an "animal rights masterpiece" from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). PETA emphasizes that Gunn has shed light on the plight of countless animals in laboratories.
In an interview with the Direct, Miriam Shor, who portrayed Recorder Vim, defended Gunn's inclusion of Rocket's tragic backstory. Shor hailed the movie as a triumph for animal lovers. Gunn's decision to raise awareness about these crucial issues through a mainstream platform like Guardian of the Galaxy Vol.3 is a significant victory for animal rights activists. It has prompted renewed discussions about the practices of large corporations conducting animal testing.
Lylla's story is difficult to watch, but her character plays a vital role in highlighting animal rights in our society. By presenting Lylla as a lovable and distinctive character, Gunn has humanized the countless animals trapped in laboratories. This is why PETA has hailed the film as "the best animal rights movie of the year."
In recent years, the MCU has faced criticism for its shallow plots and lack of substantial stakes. However, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 defies the ongoing 'Marvel fatigue' phenomenon by addressing crucial animal rights issues. Through this film, Gunn has created a significant piece of media that reignites discussions on animal testing. Lylla's presence is crucial to achieving this impact.