(A version of this article was shared with Pirates and Princesses on August 12, 2022.)
I Am Groot. I Am Groot? I Am Groot!!!
Our favorite “flora colossus” (with his slightly stunted vocabulary) is now starring in five adorable shorts on Disney+. In celebration of this tiny topiary sidekick, I offer you five facts about Baby Groot.
Father and Son?
According to Guardians of the Galaxy franchise director James Gunn – Original (Adult) Groot and Baby Groot are not one in the same being. They are in fact two separate entities, with Baby Groot being the “offspring” of Original Groot. This explains why Baby Groot doesn’t have any memories of a previous life.
Marvel Cinematic Universe mastermind Kevin Feige has a somewhat different take, stating that Baby Groot does in fact have some more mature sentient thoughts, though Groot’s mannerisms beg to differ.
Say What?
For Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Gunn wrote a “Groot version” of the film script, containing actual phrases to explain the intent behind each of Groot’s 17 lines. By virtue of seeing what Groot meant to say, actor Vin Diesel was then able to capture just the right sentiment behind those three famous words.
Multilingual
Vin Diesel recorded “I Am Groot” upwards of 1,000 times – in six different languages – for the first Guardians of the Galaxy film. For Volume 2, Diesel topped himself by recording the famous phrase in sixteen languages.
By the way – most of Baby Groot’s lines were recorded with zero, or minimal, post-recording manipulation. It was all Vin Diesel. How’s that for vocal range? And you thought all he could do was blow up cars!
Groot Vibrations
Baby Groot’s potted plant dance moves at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy, as well as his full jam in the opening credits of Volume 2, were choreographed and performed by director James Gunn! While Gunn’s dazzling performance was truly inspired, the accompanying CGI process took nearly two years to complete.
I See Groot
While sticking around after Volume 2 for those priceless Marvel mid-credit and post-credit scenes, look closely at the credits themselves. The phrase “I am Groot” appears several times. In each case, after a few seconds, Groot’s signature phrase transforms into the actual credit. It definitely makes the process of wading through the credits a little less tiresome.
There you have it – five fun facts about this larger-than-life superhero. Have you seen the new I Am Groot shorts on Disney+? They are each a perfect 5-minute escape to the whimsical world of Baby Groot.
What’s your favorite Groot moment? Feel free to reach out with a message on social: Instagram Facebook X
