After Groot sacrificed himself at the end of the first film of the franchise, the Guardian of the Galaxy has gone through multiple transformations over the years. Initially, Groot was a full-sized adult in the 2014 MCU film, but his sacrifice meant that he was essentially reborn at the end of the movie, thus leading to the debut of Baby Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
Baby Groot had many memorable moments in Vol. 2, but it was the only movie that this iteration was ever featured in. Avengers: Infinity War showcased the debut of Teenage Groot, an angsty version of the character who is wholly dedicated to playing video games rather than focusing on missions.
As the next chapter of the Guardians franchise is poised to take center stage once again, it seems that another iteration of Groot will be highlighted.
Groot Through the Years
Groot will have an all-new look in upcoming Guardians projects.
Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 director James Gunn recently confirmed that filming has wrapped for the Disney+ special. Alongside the reveal are eight different Christmas ornaments featuring the cosmic group, and one of them is showcasing an upgraded look at the fan-favorite MCU hero.
Groot appears to be all grown up in the ornament's design, suggesting that he's a full-fledged adult by the time of the holiday special:
A closer look at the design shows a muscular physique for the Guardian:
In comparison, Groot is still a teenager during the final battle of Avengers: Endgame:
In Thor: Love and Thunder's teaser trailer, Groot is still sporting the same look from Endgame, suggesting that the film happens a few months after the Avengers movie:
Groot is All Grown Up
The exact name of this upcoming iteration of Groot is unknown, but all signs point that it will be Adult Groot or Young Adult Groot, considering that the tree creature could be in his early-20s or mid-20s if his age is based on his human counterpart.
While Baby Groot doesn't seem to be fit for battle, Teenage Groot was able to show flashes of his fighting style in the last two Avengers films. Based on the character's design in the Love and Thunder teaser, it's safe to assume that a much more skilled Teenage Groot will make his presence felt in the Chris Hemsworth-led sequel.
The character's muscular design seems to hint that he is in the early stages of becoming his full-sized form, which was first seen during 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy. Given that this form appears to be featured in the upcoming holiday special, it's possible that the full-sized adult will be showcased in Vol. 3.
While this is pure speculation at this point, featuring Groot's same form from the first movie is fitting, especially after Gunn confirmed that Vol. 3 is this team's final adventure.
Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is set to premiere on Disney+ sometime in December 2022.
