Interview: Digging Into the Work that the Oscar-Nominated Visual Effects Team Put Into ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’

When you watch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, you need to believe that Rocket Raccoon is real. That’s been the case throughout the franchise, but especially here, when he’s really the star, it’s crucial. If you didn’t buy Rocket being “real” in the film, it would fail. That we so care for the character is a testament to the visual effects team. So, when the opportunity to speak with Stephane Ceretti (Visual Effects Supervisor), Guy Williams (WETA Visual Effects Supervisor), Theo Bialek (Visual Effects Supervisor), and Alexis Wajsbrot (Visual Effects Supervisor) came up in the aftermath of a Best Visual Effects nomination at the Oscars, I was more than game. Today, our discussion comes your way.

In my review of the film (here), I had the following to say:

Throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe, no franchise has been more consistently beloved, or handled with more of a singular vision, than the Guardians of the Galaxy films. Shepherded by James Gunn, the now three movies are all big science fiction epics, to be sure, but they’re also funny tales of friendships and makeshift families. They’re more personal tales than they might initially seem on the surface, which is a part of their charm. With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Gunn has upped the ante, making for one of Marvel’s strongest flicks in some time. Brace yourself, because this isn’t just exciting and funny, it’s emotionally devastating at times, too.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is one last ride with a team you’ve grown to love. Moreover, Gunn has made this Rocket’s story, which invests you in a CGI raccoon more than you’d ever expect. To that end, it’s worth noting that there are several harrowing scenes involving animal endangerment, albeit of the computer generated variety. It’s not done in a manner that’s offensive, but if you’re an animal lover, it’s going to be intense. That’s more evidence of how Gunn gets you to identify with his characters. The agony and the ecstasy, the heartbreak and laughter, it’s all here, just sandwiched within a sci-fi sequel in the MCU.

Below, you can hear my conversation with Bialek, Ceretti, Wajsbrot, and Williams. Rocket obviously fascinates me, but listening to how the Marvel team, as well as the WETA team, comes together to make this all work is pretty mind-boggling. They’re very nice guys, truly passionate about the work, and it was a pleasure to chat with them. The fact that Rocket was so universally praised in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 just goes to show what an impeccable job they did, continuing the franchise’s run of being nominated for an Academy Award. Some pre and post effects images are next, followed by our talk.

Here now is my interview with the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 visual effects team. Enjoy:

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is available to watch right now!