Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was an emotional ride for many characters. While Groot's story wasn't among the most dramatic, his ending included a meaningful tribute to the trilogy's fans.
Groot first appeared onscreen in 2014 in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1. Ever since his first appearance, Groot has only uttered one phrase other than his signature, "I am Groot": just before he dies in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1, Groot says, "We are Groot." Depending on the different inflections Groot uses, "I am Groot" can mean many things. This is similar to his comic counterpart; since his introduction in November 1960, Groot has never said more than "I am Groot," although his friends always seem to know what he means.
At the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, fans finally heard Groot as the Guardians do. As the group goes their separate ways, Groot says, "I love you, guys." When asked about getting to record that line by Entertainment Tonight, Vin Diesel - who's voiced Groot since 2014 - said, "You know, just... on that front, it was very cool because it meant that the audience is now able to understand the vernacular, the language of this Flora colossus, and that’s a testament to the ten years of loyalty which we’ve been so blessed with, right? In this franchise with the Groot character and patience to have people wait that long for… ten years of someone just saying three monosyllabic words. But, like everything alive, with patience and dedication."
Director James Gunn has also addressed this moment for those wondering how accurate Diesel's statement is. In response to an article claiming that Groot's line meant that the audience finally understands Groot, Gunn tweeted, "Spoiler... Yes, that's exactly what it means." Although Diesel's take on the matter is definitive enough, Gunn's confirmation has some interesting implications for the character.
Although the end of the movie saw the original Guardians of the Galaxy members disbanded, Rocket steps up to lead a new group of Guardians consisting of himself, Phyla - one of the children rescued from the High Evolutionary's ship - Adam Warlock, Adam Warlock's pet Blurp, Kraglin, Cosmo, and Groot. The mid-credits scene with the group makes it clear that Groot isn't done saving the galaxy - and from what other MCU projects have shown, the universe will soon need saving.
While Vol. 3 marked the end of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, it may not be the end of those characters' MCU careers. At the very end of the movie, a title card appears confirming that Star-Lord will return. Groot may return, as well, and with his "I love you, guys" line in mind, it's equally possible that audiences may get more diverse dialogue from Groot if he does appear in the future.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is playing in theaters now.
Source: Entertainment Tonight/Twitter