Guardians of the Galaxy film’s superhero modelled on Derbyshire raccoon

The new Marvel adventure Guardians of the Galaxy goes on public release this weekend - but a Dronfield couple have been lucky enough to see it already.

John and Sallie Bond, who have an animal performance licence, are the owners of five-year-old Oreo whose look and mannerisms have been recreated for the computer generated character Rocket Raccoon.

The family attended the premiere in Leicester Square, London, where director James Gunn carried Oreo on his shoulder along the carpet.

Sallie said: “It was very noisy and a lot of flashbulbs going off, but Oreo never turned a hair. He is used to meeting people as he does lots of charity work, visiting schools and photoshoots.”

Oreo was taken back to his hotel suite by John and Sallie’s daughter, Chloe, while her parents watched the film. Sallie said: “It is a fantastic representation of a raccoon. The film is going to be massive.”

Bond girl Olga Kurylenko accompanied director James on a visit to Oreo’s hotel suite after the screening. Sallie said: “James has a great relationship with Oreo and was rolling about on the floor with him. Oreo rolled on his back and let Olga tickle him.”

Two years earlier, Oreo, the figurehead for an animal encounter business, was studied closely by 250 animators at Shepperton studios. Sallie said: “They got him opening boxes and filmed him soaking wet and dry.”