Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy: Descendants and Cloning

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the character Groot from the Guardians of the Galaxy series has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Many have pondered whether in the comics or the films, Groot has descendants. This article delves into the official confirmation by James Gunn, director and writer of the Guardians of the Galaxy films, and explores the nature of Groot's reproduction and cloning in the MCU.

Is Groot a Descendant of His Original Version?

At the end of the first Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Groot sacrificed himself in a battle. However, in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), a new Groot emerges. This new Groot, named Baby Groot, has sparked a debate among the fan community about his lineage.

According to James Gunn, Baby Groot is not the original Groot but a descendant of him. This revelation was confirmed during an interview where Gunn explained that Rocket the Raccoon planted a piece of Groot's body, which then grew into a new Groot. James Gunn stated:

‘The new Groot seen in Guardians II is NOT the original Groot but his offspring. He is a mix of both because not only did his seed come from the original Groot but since the seed is also from the original Groot, that would make the new Groot the old Groot.’

Baby Groot: Cloning and Identity

Baby Groot's existence raises interesting questions about cloning and identity in the MCU. The original Groot was asexual, and the seed from his body was used to grow a new Groot. This means that Baby Groot is a clone of the original Groot, sharing the same genetic makeup. However, clone or otherwise, Baby Groot has his own distinct personality and past.

Vin Diesel has voiced Groot in every film, showcasing the character's unique mannerisms and expressions. The Russo Brothers confirmed that the original Groot does die in the first film, but Baby Groot is his son. This further emphasizes the genetic connection between the two Groots.

Cloning in Guardians of the Galaxy

To understand the nature of cloning in the MCU, one must look at how plants are generally cloned. In nature, this is done by taking a cutting and treating it to develop roots. This process is similar to how Baby Groot came into being. The original Groot's body was used to create a new, genetically identical plant.

While Baby Groot is genetically identical to the original Groot, he is not simply a copy. He has his own personality and history, making him a unique individual. His name, 'Baby Groot,' is a playful reference to his younger and smaller version, emphasizing his distinct identity.

Additional Insights from Groot’s Home Planet

For those who are steeped in the lore of the Guardians of the Galaxy, it's worth noting that in Groot's home planet, known as 'Xandar,' there is no concept of offspring as such. Plants have the ability to regenerate and grow from pieces of themselves. This means that what we see as Groot's offspring is essentially just another Groot, grown from the same genetic material.

With the official confirmation of Baby Groot's descent from the original Groot, fans can enjoy the films with a deeper understanding of the character's origins and lineage. As cloning and genetic replication continue to be significant themes in the MCU, Groot's story adds another layer to the rich tapestry of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Key Points:

James Gunn confirmed that the new Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy 2 is an offspring, not the original. Baby Groot is genetically identical to the original Groot but has his own personality and history. The concept of cloning in the MCU is similar to what is known in nature. Groot's ability to regenerate and grow from pieces is a key element of his nature on his home planet.