Sorry, fans of Groot. It looks like the beloved extraterrestrial tree creature will not be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or at least not James Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy .
The director, who helmed the first two "Guardians of the Galaxy" and is currently in earliest stages of developing volume three of the said superhero movie, shared as much during a Q&A session on his most recent Instagram Story - after a fan asked him about the return of Groot in his adult form.
"Sadly that original Groot is no longer with us," he wrote, "so unless there is a prequel of some type, we won't see him again."
It is noted that Groot, who was voiced by Vin Diesel in his adult form, has been featured in various stages of his life throughout all his appearances.