Until Marvel Studios dropped that first trailer for I Am Groot last Friday, it felt like this series of animated shorts was somewhat flying under the radar. Now, though, there's a lot of excitement for the show ahead of its launch on August 10, especially after a round of glowing social media reactions.
While Groot was still a baby at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, he had become a teenager by one of the movie's many mid-credits scenes.
Now, executive producer Brad Winderbaum has clarified the specific period in which I Am Groot takes place. "It's a narrow window, right?" he says while talking to ComicBook.com. "It takes place actually between the end of Guardians 2 and before the tag scene in Guardians 2."
Winderbaum added, "So, it's in this narrow window where Groot's in that kind of post-toddler stage of development. And it was something that really excited [Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn]. And also, James knew [I Am Groot director Kirsten Lepore's] work and was excited about working with her as well."
With these comments comes a gallery of official new stills highlighting Groot's unbelievable level of cuteness. We can't help but look at the various shots here and imagine the sheer number of toys Disney will likely make based on the five-episode animated series, which is expected to return to Disney+ with an additional five episodes in the not too distant future.
"There’s no guarding the galaxy from this mischievous toddler," reads the official synopsis. "So get ready as Baby Groot takes center stage in his very own series, exploring his glory days growing up - and getting into trouble - among the stars."
Vin Diesel, who is the voice of Groot in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, is the voice of Baby Groot. The writer/director is Kirsten Lepore, and the executive producers are Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum and James Gunn.
I Am Groot is set to premiere on Disney+ on August 10, just one week before She-Hulk: Attorney at Law also debuts on the streaming service.