I Am Groot: The Series’ Place In MCU Timeline Clarified By James Gunn

Filmmaker James Gunn explains how I Am Groot ties into the MCU timeline in his upcoming Disney+ show. In 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Gunn

By Mabel Judith Andrady
June 8,2022
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Filmmaker James Gunn explains how I Am Groot ties into the MCU timeline in his upcoming Disney+ show. In 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Gunn first presented the tree that would bear his name. The Marvel Cinematic Universe achieved a major milestone with the release of the film.

This proved that lesser-known comic books could compete with the likes of Captain America and Hulk at the box office. As a result, Marvel was able to cash in on the adorable sentient plant and bring it back for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Avengers: Infinity War, and Endgame.

A spinoff series called I Am Groot has been announced for Groot as part of the Disney+ slate of Marvel projects. In the wake of Gunn’s work on Peacemaker and the forthcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the director has transitioned his attention to promoting the Groot-centric series on the internet.

The show’s connection to the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy films is a major topic of conversation. Last seen with the Avengers saving humanity from Thanos, the crew will return in Thor: Love and Thunder this summer, where they will be joined by the Norse god.

Following the announcement of the August 10th release date for I Am Groot, Disney+ shared an image of Baby Groot relaxing in a beachside plant pot diorama. Taking to Twitter as he always does, Gunn answered questions about the upcoming film.

When asked if the animated shorts will take place before or after the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. I Am Groot won’t necessarily be a part of the Guardians” saga, according to director James Gunn. The original tweet can be seen here:

 

The Groot Universe

Given that Baby Groot has already grown back to a more adolescent-sized tree in the MCU, these surprising remarks imply that the project may not be canon at all. Vin Diesel, who plays Groot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, teased an expansion of “The Groot Universe” earlier this year while recording dialogue for unknown MCU projects. The current status of I Am Groot appears to be unrelated to the films, but the character’s upcoming action in Thor: Love and Thunder appears to be unaffected.

Even if the new project appears to be outside the MCU timeline, Groot fans will still swarm to see the brief adventures of the beloved hero. With Charlie Cox’s cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Daredevil has officially rejoined the MCU, allowing the Netflix Marvel Defenders series to be regarded along with the MCU in a similar way. I Am Groot, whether or not it’s canon, is sure to delight Groot fans when it debuts on Disney+.