We’re practically a week out from the release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, where one James Gunn will likely fulfill his destiny of being Marvel’s theatrical saving grace of 2023. DC Studios put him in charge for a reason, after all.
Beyond the eye-popping stylings and perfect soundtracks that we’ve come to expect from the Guardians films, it’s safe to say that there’s going to be lots to love about Vol. 3 specifically; the unprecedented emotional stakes will no doubt be prime real estate for many a Guardian’s arc, and Gunn has reported nothing but the best regarding the performances of Will Poulter and Chukwudi Iwuji, who portray the film’s villains Adam Warlock and the High Evolutionary, respectively.
But while we’re all rightfully expecting the titular found family to hyperjump into our hearts one more time, there may be one other group of characters that could steal that accomplishment right from under their noses.
Who are Lylla, Teefs, and Floor?
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is set to introduce us to the Halfworlders, a species of genetically enhanced anthropomorphic animals created by the High Evolutionary, and the race that Rocket belongs to. Among the members of this race are Lylla, Teefs, and Floor, Rocket’s childhood friends.
We audiences are most familiar with Lylla (voiced by Linda Cardellini, who’s already familiar with the MCU), the anthropomorphic otter that wraps Rocket in a tight hug in many of the film’s trailers. Given that she’s Rocket’s love interest in the comics, a trait that seems to have been translated over to her MCU counterpart, it’s safe to assume that Lylla will play a bigger role in the film than the other two.
Teefs (Asim Chaudhry), meanwhile, is a walrus who chose his name because of his “prominent” teeth, while Floor the rabbit (Mikaela Hoover), ever the creative mastermind, named herself as such because she was lying on the floor when she came up with the name.
Beyond occupying space in Rocket’s heart, and subsequently his personal stakes, it’s hard to say exactly what sort of role these three cuddly comrades will be playing in the latest plight of the Guardians, but one thing is for sure, PETA’s not going to be a fan of the High Evolutionary.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will release in theaters on May 5.