James Gunn has claimed that Groot is a better-written character this time around, a surprising suggestion given the character’s enormous popularity with fans.
In very few words he steered a jaded Rocket away from his mercenary background towards something resembling a family.
This time around, however, Groot is a rampaging toddler with a penchant for causing trouble – James Gunn called him a “little jerk” – and it’s Rocket who is responsible for his friend’s moral upbringing.
Groot’s temper flared rarely in Guardians Of The Galaxy – he brought the fight when needed, and that elder version of the character acted very much as the peaceful, moral heart of the group.