Adult Groot was represented near perfectly in the first Guardians of the Galaxy, but it was baby Groot that stole the show in Vol. 2. In Avengers: Infinity War, we were introduced to a more rambunctious teenage Groot who was sassy and full of tantrums. He was, however, also full of emotion and heart as James Gunn revealed when Twitter user @TheMoonBearMan inquired about a particular scene in Infinity War.
If you have not seen Avengers: Infinity War yet, look away. Seriously, turn back. Here there be spoilers!
Okay, if you’re still here, then you know that at the end of the epic Avenger’s movie, with a snap of his fingers, Thanos disintegrates most of the heroic cast. If not, then I’m sorry, but I did warn you.
Included in the vanishing act was the talking Flora colossus from Planet X, who lets off one last “I am Groot” before dissolving into a cloud of dust in front of Rocket Raccoon. When pressed about whether he knew what Groot’s final line was to Rocket, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn tweeted with a heartbreaking answer: “Dad.”
@JamesGunn Might be too soon to ask this, but do you know what Groot's last line is at the end of the movie?
— Joe Green (@Shekebel) May 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/993265674616221696
As if we didn’t feel bad enough that Rocket lost his companion for the second time, now we get to walk away from Marvel’s saddest ending knowing just how close the two were. As crass and intolerant as Rocket is, Groot still looked up to him as a father. Gunn’s confirmation also solidifies the familial unit that’s grown within the Guardians, which will likely be further explored in the final Guardians of the Galaxy movie, slated to release in 2020.
As much as Groot’s “death” at the hands of Thanos breaks our hearts, there’s about a one in infinity (see what I did there?) chance that it will stick. The fourth Avenger’s movie, which is currently untitled and scheduled for May 9, 2019, will likely reverse much of Thanos’ damage.
groot’s last “I am groot” to rocket was “dad” pic.twitter.com/sVt5UKj69m
— maia (@amidalastark) May 7, 2018
Worry not, Groot fans. Our favorite little tree will most definitely be making a comeback to be with his adoptive father. For now, though, it’s okay to grab those Kleenex and hop on Twitter to air your sorrow. Of course, you’d be joined by dozens of others that couldn’t handle the revelation of the dynamic between Rocket and Groot.
https://twitter.com/MarvelOfRogers/status/993336937044901888
https://twitter.com/JHerondaleW/status/993355452439134208
Anyone else just read that Groot moment and kinda wanna die
— Geo (@ThatDadGeo) May 7, 2018
In response to Gunn’s tweet, the internet erupted in a collective sob, thinking back to those big, heart melting eyes introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Though the relationship between Rocket and Groot seemed to be more of a partnership throughout much of the first Guardians of the Galaxy, Rocket’s sorrow-filled reaction when Groot sacrificed himself was the first sign that there was more to their bond.
Still a little shook over that Groot news, gonna watch something light-hearted and fun, like last night's Westworld, to get my mind off it
— Matthew Cox (@UnSub_Matt) May 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/multifandxm_/status/993621821407858688
I just found out that Groot’s death line in Infinity War was “dad” pic.twitter.com/EWZfit3nzV
— zacchy ray zapta (@jaqkuesata) May 7, 2018
Guardians has always been hokey about the underlying familial relationship between the heroic quintet, but that corniness more-than paid off in Infinity War. Groot wasn’t the only Guardian to cause tears in the theaters as Quill, better known as Star-Lord, and Drax also fell victim to Thanos’ fatal finger snap. Gamora, Thanos’ “adopted” daughter also died at the hands of the Mad Titan, albeit in a far more personal way.
For now, we say goodbye to most of the Guardians, including beloved little Groot.