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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 director James Gunn explains why he decided to use Baby Groot in the film

'I was going to make Groot a grown Groot, but it just didn’t seem right'

Jack Shepherd
Wednesday 27 July 2016 12:10 BST
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For those who managed to attend Marvel Studios’ panel at Comic-Con, there were a whole load of exclusive treats to enjoy, including clips from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and Thor: Ragnarok.

The former, James Gunn-directed film, caused quite a stir after it was revealed who Star Lord’s father is in the film; Ego the Living Planet, played by Kurt Russell.

Also featured in the clip was the first appearance of Baby Groot in the film, a smaller version of the Vin Diesel voiced character, now with the IQ of an infant.

In an interview with Collider, Gunn explained why he decided to keep Groot in his infant form.

James Gunn on Baby Groot

I was going to make Groot a grown Groot, but it just didn’t seem right. I thought: ‘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 this family, and when they all go in around this younger character, it’s going to make a big difference. 

Suddenly, everything opened up for me. Baby Groot’s an extremely important character for me in the movie. It’s not like it is his story, but it suddenly opened up everything for me.”

Gunn also confirmed that Yondu is one of the Guardians and he shares a close relationship with Rocket, the walking, talking racoon voiced by Bradley Cooper.

Footage from the film was shown at Comic-Con but has yet to be released online; Gunn said it will be available ‘relatively soon’. For those who can’t wait, you can read the description of the footage on our website.

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