Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3 Had Peacemaker Cameo That's Easy To Miss

Warning: the following post containsGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3spoilers

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3featured several appearances by James Gunn’s friends and family. However, Gunn recently confirmed aPeacemakercameo that fans might have missed.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3centered on the team’s mission to save Rocket Raccoon after he sustains a potentially fatal injury at the hands of Will Poulter’s Adam Warlock. Through the film, audiences witness flashbacks to Rocket’s tragic past, whenthe High Evolutionary experimented on himand other animals.

RELATED:Bradley Cooper Admits One Character’s Arc In Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 Made Him Cry

WhileGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3focuses on Lylla, Teefs, and Floor (Rocket’s friends and fellow test subjects), various caged animals are seen throughout the film. When one fan took to Twitter to ask Gunn if an eagle seen at one point was a reference to Eagly, Peacemaker’s bald eagle companion in the eponymous vigilante’s DC series, Gunn had a surprising response. “That was actually Eagly,” Gunn told the fan, confirming a type of DC and Marvel crossover.

For fans who missedPeacemaker,Eagly was the titular hero’s pet bald eagle and sidekick, who defended Peacemaker and his colleagues on multiple occasions. Despite being a bald eagle, Eagle demonstrated empathy, often comforting Peacemaker at his lowest. While Gunn intended to use a real eagle for the role, the bird of prey did not react well to being on set. Consequently, Gunn turned tothePeacemakerVFX teamto create a CGI eagle.

Of course, this is hardly a Marvel and DC crossover. Though Eagle makes a cameo appearance, his presence is more of aGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3easter eggthan anything substantial.

Fortunately for Eagly and the other imprisoned animals inGuardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3, an adult Rocket and the rest of the team help them escape the High Evolutionary’s ship to the safety of Knowwhere. While the animal cruelty in the film was too much for some, others appreciated Gunn for not shying away from a serious subject. In fact,PETA awardedGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3and James Gunn for its depiction of animal testing.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3is now playing in theaters, and Peacemaker is available on HBO Max.

MORE:The 5 Best Needle-Drops In Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3