Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2's James Gunn explains why he kept Groot a baby

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It seems strange to think there was ever a time when people thought a Marvel movie featuring a walking, talking tree wouldn't work, but post-Guardians of the Galaxy Groot has become one of the most popular (and adorable) characters in the MCU. The humanoid tree will be back in action for Guardians Vol. 2, but rather than have him back in his full form for the sequel director James Gunn has elected to keep Groot young:  

"I was writing the treatment for the script, I already knew who Quill's father was at that time, and to be completely honest - and I've never said this to anybody - I was going to make Groot a grown Groot", Gunn revealed to Collider. "And I thought, well, wait a second. Baby Groot offers a whole new way of looking at the movie and a new way to go into it. It's about a family, and how they are all around this younger character is going to make a big difference, and suddenly everything opened up for me".

Reports of the Guardians Vol. 2 footage coming out of San Diego Comic Con indicate that Baby Groot steals the show, and it's not hard to see the comedic potential in watching Rocket, Drax and co try to take care of their friend while he's a toddler. It's going to be really intriguing to hear how Vin Diesel changes up the character's vocals too (something tells me it will be a little more high-pitched than we're used to), and Groot's miniature status could easily wind up being the Guardians' secret weapon in battle.

In other words, this looks to be an inspired decision from Gunn and I can't wait to see how it plays out. Also, the Baby Groot toy is going to sell like gangbusters...

Directed by James Gunn and starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Michael Rooker, Kurt Russell, Bradley Cooper, and Vin Diesel, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will hit UK cinemas on April 28, 2017 and open in US theatres on May 5, 2017.

Images: Marvel

Amon Warmann
Amon Warmann

Amon is a contributing editor and columnist for Empire magazine, but is also a Film and TV writer for GamesRadar+, Total Film, and others. He has also written for NME, Composer Mag, and more, along with being a film critic for TalkSport. He is also the co-host of the Fade to Black Podcast, and a video mashup creator. Can also do a pretty good Bane impersonation.