Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the newest project from James Gunn, has been noticed by the organization “People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals”, better known as PETA. The people at PETA have recognized James Gunn for “his kind portrayal of Rocket and his friends and reminding moviegoers that animals tortured in laboratories are sentient beings and not the numbers tattooed on them.” 

Gunn was given the “Not a Number” Award by PETA for his heartfelt portrayal of Rocket’s (voiced by Bradley Cooper) backstory. Comicbook shared a statement from PETA’s Senior Vice President, Lisa Lange, where she shared, “Through Rocket, James Gunn has put a face, a name, and a personality on the millions of vulnerable animals being cycled through laboratories as we speak.” 

The film has brought to light the various mistreatments of animals in laboratories. PETA goes on to mention some pieces of the film that showcased this maltreatment, including:

• Animals being given ID numbers, not names
• The ID numbers being tattooed onto the animal’s body
• Very small cages
• The use of restraining machines
• The experiments being done have no real purpose behind them; it’s “driven by curiosity”

Guardian’s of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has garnered $118 million in theaters opening weekend. Be sure to catch it in theaters before it’s gone!