James Gunn reveals what Groot told Rocket at the end of Avengers: Infinity War

For those still reeling from the events of Avengers: Infinity War, we apologize in advance. James Gunn decided to knock us in the feels one more time.

Warning: Spoilers for Avengers: Infinity War below. 

In Guardians of the Galaxy, we met one of the most adorable and hilarious creatures from space — a Flora Colossus from Planet X named Groot. Groot, whose language is pretty limited to “I,” “Am,” and “Groot” — was an instant fan favorite.

We nearly lost him at the end of the first movie but were relieved to see him reborn as well, a baby Groot. He was relatively safe during Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, turning into a sulking teen by Infinity War‘s events.

When it comes to Infinity War, it goes without saying that emotions were targeted in the first five minutes. That continued throughout the rest of the movie, right until the very end.

That end included many, many beloved characters — including Groot — turning into dust after Thanos’ snapped his fingers and wiped out half the universe. Right before Groot vanishes, he looks to his companion Rocket Raccoon and says one final word, “Groot.”

Now, unless we’re like Thor and learned to speak Groot as an elective class, up until today we could only guess what his last words truly meant.

James Gunn was asked by a fan what Groot said to Rocket at the end of Infinity War, and Gunn obliged. What comes next is just… well, get some tissues ladies and gentlemen.

That’s right. Groot’s last words to Rocket Raccoon were “Dad.”

For him to view Rocket as his father speaks volumes. Groot seemed to be Rocket’s protector in Guardians, and the two swapped roles in Vol. 2 when Groot became a baby version of himself. Overall though, many saw the two as buddies more so than having a father and son relationship.

To say fans were rocked by this news is putting it lightly. The fan who asked the question replied to Gunn, saying his answer “hurts the soul.” Other fans were also pretty devastated, as are we.

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All we can hope for is that our beloved characters come back somehow for Vol. 3 and the next Avengers movie. Chris Pratt sort of implied that would happen, so fingers crossed! If we do get our heroes (and guardians) back, we can’t wait to see how the writers develop Rocket and Groot’s father/son dynamic.

Until then, we’ll just continue crying into our pillow. Thanks James Gunn.