Vin Diesel Gets His Groot On For Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy is going to be part of Marvel’s “phase two” of new big screen adaptations. We just reported that Paul Rudd has been cast as Ant-Man, and now a crucial role for Guardians has just been cast, the tree man Groot.

Vin Diesel will be playing Groot, and while it’s an obvious choice, it’s also a good choice. Don’t forget, the guy played the Iron Giant as well, and we’re hoping he can bring similar pathos to this performance as well. 

As Guardians director James Gunn told Collider, “Yep, it is completely official. AND he’s amazing. I never knew someone could say I AM GROOT so many different ways and with such feeling. That sounds like I’m kidding, but I’m not!” He also added, Vin Diesel is a super awesome dude. I can’t tell you how much I like this guy.” 

Also starring in Guardians are Zoe Saldana, who will play Gamora, Dave Bautista, who will play Drax, Bradley Cooper, who will play Rocket Raccoon, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, Michael Rooker, Djimon Hounsou and Benicico Del Toro. 

And unlike Avengers 2, which is coming May 1, 2015, we won’t have to wait as long for Guardians, which has a release date of August 1, 2014. And don’t forget, the next installment in Marvel’s Phase two is just around the corner, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which will hit theaters on April 4, 2014.