James Gunn Talks Baby Groot Merch Sales & if It Makes Him Any Money

James Gunn recently disclosed whether he makes any money from Baby Groot Merchandise sales. Groot, voiced by Vin Diesel, debuted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

Groot II, or Baby Groot, was born from the sapling taken from the original Groot’s remains following his sacrifice in the first movie. He has appeared in several MCU projects and has become a fan favorite, with his merch becoming immensely popular.

James Gunn doesn’t make any money from Baby Groot merch sales

James Gunn revealed during an interview on The Howard Stern Show that he doesn’t receive any money from the sales of the Baby Groot merchandise. “We created the character Baby Groot, you know, I drew that character,” the filmmaker told Stern. “I don’t make any of that money in the same way that comic-book artists don’t.”

This appeared to surprise Stern, who asked, “Wait a second, you don’t get a piece of the action on the merchandising on Baby Groot?” When Gunn confirmed that he didn’t, Stern expressed his shock with an expletive and enquired what was going on before telling Gunn that he knew better than that.

When asked if he got a better deal on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Vol. 3, Gunn clarified, “I’m incredibly well paid. Guardians 2 and 3, especially Guardians 3.” He then reiterated, “I am incredibly well paid up front and on the back end. I make back-end dollars too. I just don’t make money off merchandising.”

Created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby, Groot made his first appearance in Marvel Comics in Tales to Astonish #13 in 1960. However, the character became widely popular only after his debut in the MCU.

Beyond the three Guardians of the Galaxy movies, Groot has appeared in several other MCU projects, including Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. While Diesel voiced Groot in most of these projects, Fred Tatasciore lent his voice to the character on What If…?

Originally reported by Tamal Kundu on SuperHeroHype.

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