It’s been a few weeks since movement has been made public about the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy film following its reveal at this year’s San Diego Comic Con. However, as I mentioned back then, there were still two roles left unfilled/unannounced: Groot and Rocket Raccoon. It seems as if at least one of those roles has been filled as Deadline is reporting that Mr. Fast and/or Furious himself, Vin Diesel, is in talks to voice the tree-like alien.
Last month, Diesel met with Marvel about potentially joining the large stable of actors associated with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (which includes, amongst others: Robert Downey, Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, Benicio del Toro, Zoe Saldana, Jeremy Renner, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Don Cheadle). While it would have been better for Diesel to portray a live-action character instead of voicing one, his involvement with the film, as well as Marvel Studios, overall, definitely adds an extra sense of star power to the world they’re creating.
For those unaware, Groot is a somewhat indestructible, tree-like alien that, while sustaining damage, can continue living so long as a splinter from his body is saved and nurtured. His character, besides his immense size and strength, is best known for only uttering three words: “I am Groot.” Just imagine a large tree alien uttering that phrase over and over with Vin Diesel’s patented gravelly voice, and you’ll realize just how perfect this casting may be.
[via Deadline]