Marvel is ringing out 2016 in high fashion. The November release Doctor Strange was one of their biggest franchise launchers yet. They premiered the first Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 trailer to much acclaimed. And then they literally broke the internet with the launch of the first Spider-Man: Homecoming sneak peek. If that wasn't enough, they are back with an awesome new Baby Groot image. Oh, and they have some cool Guardians toys to show off too.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is bringing back fan-favorite character Groot, only this time there is a twist. At the end of 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy, the big tree-like alien sacrificed himself for the galaxy's better good. In turn, he was obliterated into a million pieces. One of those twigs has come to life as baby Groot, who we see here in all his magical glory. He'll surely be a show stealer.
Vin Diesel, who voiced Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy, is back. Only this time he's playing a toddler. Vol 2 takes place just mere months after we last saw Star-Lord and his team. Groot has grown from a sprout into a full blown stick. But we may not see him return to his full form until Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 which is already confirmed to be part of Marvel Phase 4. Though, Groot may experience another growth spurt when he returns in Avengers: Infinity War. It sounds like Groot and Hulk will have a showdown in that movie. Says Vin Diesel.
"I know that somewhere in the universe, you are going to see Groot and Hulk battle. You can write it somewhere, you are going to see that poster: Hulk Vs Groot!"
Promoting the release of the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 trailer, Vin Diesel also had this to say about Groot and Rocket Raccoon possibly getting their own spin-off movie.
"That's an interesting question! I think if it's up to James Gunn, you are going to see a Groot/Rocket movie after [Avengers] Infinity War, I think that's highly possible. We shall see!"
Set to the backdrop of 'Awesome Mixtape #2,' Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team's adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill's true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes' aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand. The cast includes newcomers such as Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Chris Sullivan as Taserface}, Elizabeth Debicki as Ayesha and Tommy Flannagan as Tullk.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 fans watched as its new trailer broke Marvel's record for a teaser, amassing 81 million views in the first 24 hours. And plenty of help came from Baby Groot himself. Take a look at this latest image courtesy of Marvel along with some cool action figures that you'll be able to buy at your local toy story leading into the release of Guardians 2.
