The following contains major spoilers for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, now playing in theaters.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 director James Gunn confirms the meaning behind Groot's final words in the film.
At the end of the movie, there's a moment when all the Guardians stand around in a circle and share their goodbyes. Rather than say, "I am Groot," which are the only words Groot (Vin Diesel) can speak, he tells the Guardians, "I love you guys." A Gizmodo article gives its own take on the moment, explaining that this is not Groot speaking normal words onscreen for the first time, but instead the audience finally understanding what Groot is actually saying. Gunn responded to the article on Twitter, tweeting, "Spoiler... Yes that's exactly what it means."
How the Phrase 'I Am Groot' Is Used in the MCU
The only other time Groot is heard deviating from the phrase "I am Groot" in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is during the first Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). Toward the end of the movie, Groot sacrifices himself to save the other Guardians. In response to Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) pleading with Groot and asking, "Why are you doing this?" Groot instead says, "We are Groot."
Groot's inability to say anything other than "I am Groot" has led to several jokes in the MCU, such as characters like Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) and Gamora (Zoe Saldaña) getting annoyed while thinking that Groot is constantly reminding them of his name. Another example MCU fans will remember is an interaction with Captain America (Chris Evans) during Avengers: Infinity War (2018). In response to Groot saying in the middle of a big battle, "I am Groot," Cap replies, "I am Steve Rogers."
What Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3's Post-Credits Scenes Set Up
The end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 not only allows MCU fans to truly understand Groot for the first time, but also sets him and the Guardians on a new path together. The film's mid-credits scene reveals the Guardians' adjusted team roster, now featuring Rocket as the leader of members Groot, Kraglin (Sean Gunn), Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), Cosmo the Spacedog (Maria Bakalova) and Phyla-Vell (Kai Zen). While Groot already has more buff look in Vol. 3, this extra scene gives him an even bigger, hulking figure.
It remains to be seen whether Groot and the Guardians will return in the MCU though. After a second and final post-credits scene, readers can read the words, "The legendary Star-Lord will return," confirming that Pratt will reprise his role as the hero in future projects. The tease excludes whether other Guardians will follow suit, however.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is now playing in theaters.