If one were to show a complete newcomer a photo of every Marvel Cinematic Universe character, some would raise more questions than others. Groot from the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise might be the strangest figure. Every new detail about Groot is fascinating and perplexing. He's a fan-favorite character for endless good reasons, but how has he grown in the nine years since his big-screen debut?
Guardians of the Galaxy is one of the most celebrated superhero series of the modern era. Many viewers have dismissed the MCU as needlessly safe, IP-driven schlock that's outlived its entertainment value. James Gunn's trilogy has generally escaped those critiques, retaining a space for pure creative fun in the all-consuming empire. It's not just more fun to watch. It's more fun to talk about.
Groot's Sacrifice in Guardians of the Galaxy
Not much is known about Groot's life before he met the Guardians. He is a Flora Colossus from Planet X. He's been Rocket's personal muscle and closest friend for years. They met in prison after Groot's first friend, robotic former zookeeper Tibius Lark, died. Lark freed Groot from the exotic zoo he used to work for and took the tree on a crime spree across the galaxy. They were arrested and incarcerated. Lark was critically injured during the arrest. Rocket coincidentally shared a cell with the longtime friends. Aware that his time was limited, Lark let Rocket take his parts to build a gun on the condition that he'd look after Groot. Rocket and Groot escaped, and they've been fire-forged allies ever since. These events would have been depicted in a short film along with the first Guardians of the Galaxy, but that story went untold.
Groot and Rocket were not known for working well with others. They were longtime allies, but the Nova Corps could only find one other known associate for each of them. Both of their listed accomplices were tragically long dead. They were naturally unkind to Peter Quill, Gamora, and Drax the Destroyer when they met. Circumstances brought the ragtag bunch together to win an impossible battle. The Guardians found themselves aboard a ship during a crash landing. All their lives were at stake. Groot sacrifices himself to save his friends despite Rocket begging him not to. He shielded them with his body, forming a dome around them. Groot died in the crash. Rocket, devastated by the loss of his closest friend, found a part of Groot's body in the wreckage. He planted the lone stick, and by the end of the film, it sprouted leaves.
Baby Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy 2
The Groot audiences met in 2014 was dead, but a new Baby Groot grew up aboard the Milano. Arguably, the new Groot is the original being's offspring. Baby Groot was an infant. He had to learn everything again. His inexperience frequently endangered the other Guardians. He danced through their fight with a terrifying alien monster. When he was asked to help save Yondu and Rocket from the Ravagers, he took far too long to acquire the controller for Yondu's arrow. Kraglin brought the item to Yondu. Baby Groot did dispatch one Ravager during the fight. He was tasked with bringing a powerful explosive into the core of Ego, the Living Planet. After accomplishing that mission, he went on a series of adorable childhood adventures with the Guardians.
Teenager Groot In Avengers: Infinity War
Over the following few years, Groot developed the slender frame and rebellious attitude of an adolescent. Adolescent Groot appeared in Infinity War and Endgame. He has a better grip on his abilities as a teen but refuses to follow orders. He spends most of his time playing a handheld version of the 1981 video game Defender. Teen Groot traveled with Thor and Rocket to create the Stormbreaker. Demonstrating the self-sacrifice of his father/earlier self, Teen Groot gave his arm to become the handle of the mighty ax. Groot would fight alongside the Avengers in the battle against Thanos. Groot tragically lost the great cosmic coin toss of the Snap, with every Guardians of the Galaxy member except Rocket. When he returned five years later, he joined the Guardians in their adventures with Thor.
Buff Groot In Guardians of the Galaxy 3
Groot's second adult form is much more well-rounded than his original body. Teen Groot puts on several hundred pounds of raw wooden muscle over the years, but his personality becomes much softer. He's kind, patient, and considerate. He's even less naive than the original Groot. He seems to perform various tasks with ease. He's mastered skills he never had in his first body. Buff Groot even develops clever plans. Gone are the days of him endangering the group by misinterpreting strategic directions. He's still clumsy and accident-prone, but he's much more mature. Buff Groot is his most powerful, responsible, and friendly form. It should warm fans' hearts to see that Groot becomes his best self after being raised by the Guardians of the Galaxy. They're a shockingly good influence on him.
Groot has always been the heart of the Guardians of the Galaxy. He sacrificed himself to save his friends, and his friends paid him back by raising his son/new self. The Groot who rides off into the sunset with the new Guardians of the Galaxy is as good as he's ever been. He's a hero, a friend, and a Guardian of the Galaxy, but above all else, he is Groot.