Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is now playing worldwide, but if you haven't seen the movie yet, be aware that spoilers follow from this point on.
Some feel that Groot, the sentient tree-alien who has become one of the most beloved members of the team, was somewhat sidelined in GOTG Vol. 3, but he does get a few moments to shine, one of which has led to a lot of discussion online.
Right at the end of the film, after Adam Warlock rescues Peter Quill and Rocket takes over as Captain, the Guardians stand in a circle saluting their new leader. Then, for the first time ever, Groot says something other than "I am Groot" when he tells his friends, "I love you guys."
The others don't react, which has led to speculation that only we, the audience, actually heard those words because we understand Groot now, just like Gamora had started to after spending enough time with him ("it was great working with you, too").
io9 proposed this theory in an article, and director James Gunn confirmed that, yes, this is "exactly what it means" on Twitter.
This makes a lot more sense than Groot just suddenly learning how or deciding to speak in full sentences, and adds another emotional layer to an already heart-warming scene.
How did you guys interpret this moment on first watch? Let us know in the comments section down below.
"In Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 our beloved band of misfits are settling into life on Knowhere. But it isn’t long before their lives are upended by the echoes of Rocket’s turbulent past." "Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him on a dangerous mission to save Rocket’s life—a mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them."
Gunn writes and directs Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter, and Maria Bakalova. Kevin Feige is the producer and Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nikolas Korda, Simon Hatt, and Sara Smith serve as executive producers.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 arrives in theaters on May 5, 2023.