Why is Groot huge?

In short: creative decisions by James Gunn to showcase a more mature, bulked-up Groot that stands out compared to his original, slender form seen in early Guardians of the Galaxy films. But there are some intriguing theories that I‘ll unpack here about why everyone‘s favorite alien tree is totally jacked today.

As a hardcore Guardians fan, I‘ve loved seeing Groot grow up (literally and figuratively) throughout the series. And let me tell you, puberty hit this walking wood HARD!

Theories Behind Groot‘s Growth Spurt

Director James Gunn chose to depict an older Groot with a stockier build, contrasting the slim, towering Groot we first met. But looking at changes across the franchise, a few key factors likely shaped his size-shifting:

Celestial Radiation Exposure

Spending time with celestial-powered comrades like Star-Lord and Mantis may have caused Groot to soak up unique radiation that stimulated intense growth.

In the MCU, exposure to cosmic energies causes drastic physical evolution, even unlocking latent powers and abilities. So proximity to Guardians members with celestial DNA could have triggered Groot‘stransformation.

Natural Maturation Process

Groot‘s species, Flora Colossus, may reach this larger, more rugged size as part of their natural development.

As the only example of an aging Flora Colossus we have, these physical changes in Groot may simply reflect his life cycle — no cosmic factors required!

Creative Decision for Character Distinction

James Gunn shape-shifts characters across Guardians films to keep things fresh. Evolving Groot‘s look falls in line with playing characters against type and subverting expectations.

This shock value encourages audiences to see characters in a new light while highlighting growth and maturity arcs.

Comparing Groot‘s Changing Height Across Films

Let‘s quantify changes in Groot‘s height/build using concept art and official stats:

As evidenced by concept art evolution:

How Swole Groot Stacks Up Against Strongest Avengers

Sure, Hulk can throttle mystical beasts and Thor wields the power of lightning.

But my bud Groot has obtained freakish levels of strong. His thick torso and veiny timber arms would give these heavy-hitters pause:

• Hulk: Groot ever-growing physical form makes him near-indestructible. And Hulk‘s brute force can‘t easily splinter magical wood.
• Thor: While lightning cuts down normal trees, Groot has proven completely resistant to blasts of energy.

I give bulky Groot solid odds holding his own now. It‘s his super-strength defensive and restorative abilities that set him apart from almost any Avenger powerhouse.

What Swole Groot Means for Guardians Vol. 3

An older, bulkier Groot sets up plotlines and character interactions for the threequel:

• Teen rebellion gives way to a reliable, responsible protector role amongst the team
• Romantic connections? Groot aged into a fine hunk of tree…
• Groot struggling to balance emerging grave responsibilities on Planet X with duties as a Guardian

Personally, I‘m most excited about drax and Groot‘s bonding over hardcore gym sessions and protein shakes!

The Fan Verdict: Groot Crushed His Growth Spurt!

However theFlora Colossus maturation works, Groot clearly hit the alien version of CrossFit hard.

As a devoted Marvel fan, I‘m thrilled to see Groot evolve from spunky kid to stoic warrior. It amplifies that central narrative about found families and how we change through bonds forged over time.

And it hints at major new power potential! Between Groot and cosmic-charged heroes like Captain Marvel and Starlord, Phase 5 looks to unleash more hero muscle upon the MCU.

That wraps up my official speculated and thoroughly fannish breakdown on Groot‘s epic glow-up to full swole. Let me know what you think – is his massive size change working for you? What are your theories?