The Vin Diesel Groot casting rumors that have been floating around for months now have finally been confirmed for Guardians of the Galaxy. Of course, Diesel has pretty much let the news that he is playing Groot known since he signed on.

Marvel, being Marvel, knows that it will always remain speculation until they let it be known. Being Marvel, the studio waited until they were ready to let the new out themselves. It was Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn who made the news official.

Gunn released the new with the photo above as well as the following statement:

“Vin Diesel is a super awesome dude. I can’t tell you how much I like this guy.”

For those who don’t read comics, Groot is a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy team, a walking tree looking alien who only says “I am Groot!” However, that statement could mean any number of things as he is actually a descendant of a royal house who received the highest of education and is extremely intelligent – despite his appearance. He is also almost impossible to kill, because as long as branches remain, he can re-grow. He is also Rocket Raccoon’s best friend.

As to why this was “just rumors” until now, Gunn said that “He was never announced. He said he wanted to do it and we said we were talking to him. Everything else was people guessing and thinking they knew what was going to happen. Also I hope this puts to rest all the silly Thanos-Vin stuff which people just seemed to make up out of nothing.”

It’s cool that James Gunn finally announced it. It is just sad that Diesel is stuck as a motion captured character with only one line instead of someone as awesome as Thanos. What are your thoughts now that the Vin Diesel Groot casting has been confirmed?

Source: Facebook