James Gunn confirms the real meaning behind Groot’s final line in Guardians 3

James Gunn’s Guardians 3 has ended his trilogy satisfactorily as almost every character got a heartfelt retirement or transition into the future of the MCU. The Guardians started their journeys as a group of misfits that banded together to save the galaxy. However, going on multiple missions along the way, they all became a real family, with every member carrying a specialty of their own.

Groot, in particular, has been one of the specialties in every Guardians-related project in the MCU as viewers witnessed different phases of the chatacter, starting from Vol. 1. While his growth has been understandable, MCU fans were surprised to see him speak a few more words other than “I am Groot.” While there’s a new theory behind how Groot was suddenly able to talk like everyone else, Gunn has recently confirmed it.

Disclaimer: The following article contains spoilers for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

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James Gunn reveals the truth behind Groot’s final statement

Towards the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, when everyone was left hugging and talking before their separation, the audience heard Groot say, “I love you guys” instead of the same old “I am Groot.” Apparently, this wasn’t a random change in Groot’s dialect as, according to James Gunn, he still said, “I am Groot.” However, people in the audience heard a different statement for a reason.

An MCU theory brought forward by Gizmodo revealed that just like Gamora, the audience also began to understand what Groot had to say in the film. Over the years, viewers have seen the whole group of Guardians easily understand what Groot said with his three-syllable language. Even the old Gamora got that, but Vol. 3 showed the struggles of the new Gamora in understanding what Groot had to say.

However, by the end of the film, the new Gamora variant also began to understand Groot’s language after spending a bit of time with him. Similarly, Groot’s “I love you guys” statement meant that by the end of Guardians Vol. 3, the audience was also welcomed into the Guardians family. This is the reason why viewers began to understand what Groot had to say.

A fan on Twitter brought this theory forward to James Gunn asking whether it was true. Gunn simply replied that it is a spoiler, but it’s 100% true. Groot’s final line was meant to be more than a surprising change in the character. It meant that the audience as fans are also a part of the Guardians family even though the franchise has ended.

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Why MCU fans are yet to see the best of Groot

Groot in Guardians 3 (Image via Marvel)

Vin Diesel promised to fans the appearance of Alpha Groot, which they got close to seeing the strongest version of Groot in James Gunn’s Guardians 3. He bulked up, got the ability to grow into a kaiju, could use his branches to operate multiple blasters at once, and most importantly, he was also able to fly.

However, the mid-credits scene of Vol. 3 revealed the biggest version of Groot to be ever seen on screen. This is the Alpha Groot that Vin Diesel referred to, and viewers might see his story be explored in future Guardians installments.

James Gunn confirmed that Guardians of the Galaxy 4 could be a possibility. So, it’s highly likely that it will take us to Groot’s homeworld, Planet X, where fans will see the best of Groot!