While Marvel Studios seems reluctant to confirm Vin Diesel’s casting as the voice of Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy (possibly due to all the rumours about a dual role as Thanos), but Parks and Recreation star Chris Pratt (Star-Lord) is certainly talking like it’s a done deal. And considering Groot has just one line, Pratt is certainly excited about what the Fast & Furious and Riddick star is going to bring to the table.
“I think Vin Diesel is going to be great,” Pratt tells I Am Rogue. “The role of Groot is also an amazing role. I want to tell you about it but I feel like if I tell you even one little thing it’s going to start pulling the thread that is going to expose too much. But I think Vin is going to be amazing. Vin Diesel’s voice is an incredible tool that he has. I’ve watched a couple of his movies now that I knew that he was going to be cast as Groot. Just like listening to his voice … when you think of Vin Diesel you think of the look. You think of that Diesel look.… Dom, xXx, the buff and all that stuff. But truly his greatest talent is his voice, I think. I would not be surprised if this doesn’t open up a whole new world to him doing voice acting. He’s really got a special tool in that voice. It’s deep, raspy and so distinct. I think he’s going to do a great job voicing this role.”
Guardians of the Galaxy is directed by James Gunn (Super) and will see Pratt and Diesel joined in the cast by Zoe Saldana (Star Trek Into Darkness) as Gamora, Dave Bautista (Riddick) as Drax the Destroyer, Bradley Cooper (American Hustle) as Rocket Raccoon, Benicio Del Toro (Sin City) as The Collector, Lee Pace (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey) as Ronan the Accuser, Karen Gillan (Doctor Who) as Nebula, Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond) as Korath, John C. Reilly (Step Brothers) as Rhomman Dey, and Glenn Close (Damages) as the leader of the Nova Corps. The film is set for release on August 1st, 2014.
Originally published November 6, 2013. Updated April 15, 2018.
