The next installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is mere days away from premiering here in the US, as “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” makes ready to sweep fans anew into the Marvel cosmos and the various space-spanning empires and factions that occupy it.
Among the ensemble cast of Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, and Dave Bautista, vin diesel sees great potential in expanding the setting of the Guardians, in particular, the tree-like alien Groot whom he voices.
While the other film franchise he’s involved with is cleaning up the global box office with its eighth film, “Fate of the Furious”, Diesel is currently hashing out potential spin-off material featuring Groot (currently stuck in baby form for “Guardians Vol. 2”) and his constant companion Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper).
Rocket (Raccoon) and Groot?
The idea of a story with Rocket and Groot on their own adventures has already been done on Marvel Comics in recent years with the “Rocket Raccoon and Groot” limited series.
Vin Diesel says he has brought up in discussion with “Guardians” writer/director James Gunn the possibility of making a cinematic spin-off equivalent.
He’s especially drawn to his character’s iconic verbal tic of only being able to say “I am Groot,” with nothing but varying inflections to imply a wide variety of things. Another idea that Diesel is running with involves a Groot that is grown once again, having a tussle with fellow “green” superhero the Hulk.
The action star notes that he last brought up the “Rocket and Groot” movie concept with Gunn during the world premiere of “Guardians Vol. 2” last week in Hollywood. The film’s writer director had a laugh regarding it, and at the very least has not rejected the pitch outright. Gunn for his part was quite impressed with Diesel’s notion saying, "Vin has a lot of ideas.
I don’t know where he comes up with these things!"
Big Groot or baby Groot?
The treelike Groot first appeared in the MCU in the first “Guardians Of The Galaxy” film from 2014. In the course of the movie Groot sacrifices himself to protect his fellow Guardians from being killed in the final battle, only to be reborn in a smaller baby form.
Having provided voices for both adult and young forms of the character, Vin Diesel himself is conflicted over which version he prefers more. He also equates that question to fans being asked if they liked Diesel himself as younger or older.
He opines that while both are the same, at least “older Vin can drive fast cars”, referring to his role in the “Fast & Furious” franchise. Diesel also promises that Groot may be seen grown again in future MCU films”.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” opens May 5.