He plays a tree. In fact, he only voices a tree. A tree with only 3 words repeated over and over again in the movie, “I am Groot.” How do you interview an actor with that as the background plot?
Well, first of all, it is Vin Diesel. This guy blew it out of the water. He comes in to the “Mommy Blogger” interview room dancing and singing and we practically cheer. So what does he do? He leaves and comes back again to get the accolades a second time. I love when us parent bloggers loosen up the celebs so they are comfortable hanging out with us, it seems that Vin did that for us as well!
Vin shared how excited and relieved he was to be chatting about being a tree. He shared that the press trips for his Riddick roles are far more intense. He was clearly relaxed and looking to chat away without any pressure, and ready to have fun!
Vin Diesel shocked me when he shared that it was his Facebook fan base that pushed Marvel to cast him as Groot. I don’t know how they figured out that was a perfect cast choice, but they were right. The clincher for Vin was, after he met with with Kevin Feige of Marvel, conceptual art was sent to his home, and Vin asked his kids for their opinion. They immediately and unanimously thought their dad should be Groot, and he took that as a good omen. And don’t be fooled, there was real acting here, this was not just any old tree!
Now for the single best, favorite, most awesome comment of the interview: “When my kids are in the back seat, when we’re driving, whenever they see trees they say, “Look, Dad. It’s your brothers and sisters.” Those are some smart kids! That remark was too good, you can see me tweeting it out immediately!
Vin mentioned “acting” trees were first seen in The Wizard of Oz: “This, I feel, has gone to the next level. And I never thought I’d be so proud of it. But you know, in some ways, Groot is nature’s ambassador, and there’s something beautiful about that. And just the idea of talking about that movies should promote or provoke conversation is great.” Groot in the movie teaches us a few things but I apologize, I cannot share here as that would be a major spoiler, you have to see the movie asap!
Again, he is just a tree, but Vin says, “So, it’s been really special, and I know, I do movies that are not necessarily for kids. So, to do this and to be able to share this with the little ones, and for them to be so excited about it and so proud of it, and to think of trees differently, is important. They will never look at a tree the same way. No one will, after this.”
Vin Diesel did the voice of Groot so he never actually met anyone in the cast, or went on set. I am always amazed every time I talk to the talent about their animated or CGI role. They are basically alone in a booth, mostly by themselves. And they all do something to get into character to make this process work really well. Vin stood on stilts so he could be 7 1/2 feet tall, like his character. When he chanted, “I am Groot” he held his hands out like he was a tree. Also, directors have the actor’s movements taped to try to capture their nuances as they voice their character to add to the movements of their CGI’d character. Folks were a little surprised at how serious Vin Diesel was taking his role as Groot but he felt that the innocence of this big character had to be captured properly.
Did you know that Vin Diesel started out in the 80’s as a break dancer in the streets of NYC trying to make some money? And I completely missed that he was the voice of the Iron Giant, I have seen that movie with my son dozens of times!
Vin Diesel’s last two comments to us were also wonderful. “I love the mommy bloggers. You know mommies are the first super heroes you guys.” And “Let’s give one for the dads! You guys made me feel so good!”
Personally, there is nothing more enjoyable, than when an actor opens up and feels as comfortable as Vin Diesel did with us. We are not hard core journalists, we are parent bloggers trying to get information for our readership across the country, to try to bring them closer to the stars of the movies. I am happy we made Vin feel so good, he also did that for us!
Disclosure: Disney invited me on this press trip and paid all of my expenses. No other compensation was received. All opinions are always 100% my own and honest.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Opens 8/1/14!
Follow Along:
Marvel.com/Guardians
Facebook
Twitter (#GuardiansOfTheGalaxy)
Pinterest
Youtube
I honestly have never been a fan of his, but it’s great that he really opened up for you guys & that you got to meet him!
I love all of the details behind the voice. The fact that he did the arm motions, stood on stilts. All of that is SO interesting. And I love the look on your face in this photo. 🙂
This was such a lively, energetic interview. Glad we got to share the experience and I love reading your POV of the events!
Only Vin Diesel could make a seven foot tall tree alien hot. There is no voice like Vin Diesel’s voice.
I totally agree Dawn – his voice is amazing!!!!
I loved meeting him! He had so much passion for his role. I think his kids really helped him with that!
sounds like he loved playing this role! I’m excited to see this movie when it comes out!
I LOVE Vin Diesel, he is one of my absolute favorite actors! My family can’t wait to see Guardians of the Galaxy it looks like an amazing movie!
Been a fan of Vin Diesel since Saving Private Ryan and The Iron Giant, and the Riddick series. Was thrilled he was a fellow D&D RPG Gamer back in they day too and still pays homage to his roots in RPG once in a while.
I love Vin Diesel and he seems like a down to earth type guy from everything I have read. Looks like all of your bloggers had a great time and you were able to get a great interview. I can see that kids will most likely really enjoy this movie.
Vin Diesel’s voice is coarse and soft at the same time. We will probably be watching this movie
I love Vin Diesel! Looks like all the bloggers had a fantastic time!
Did anyone faint when he walked in the room??? That is a lot of good looking in one fine package. 🙂 Looks like everyone is very happy to be there.
I had no idea that he wasn’t even on the set! It’s it amazing what they can do in movies now!
I came over from your Facebook post. I had to read this one! I think it’s awesome you got to go, and awesome that he was so wonderful with the interview.
I can’t wait to see this movie. I didn’t know the people who did voice never got to interact with other people in the movie. I guess it makes sense, I just never thought of it.
I saw a screener for this movie. Its so awesome!
Since bloggers are after the “dirt” I think that makes celebrities more comfortable. He’s a great actor, I’ve loved him for a long time
Too much fun! I can only imagine the amount of energy he brought to the room.
Seems like a super fun day! I always see you guys going on awesome press trips!
What a great opportunity! It looks like you had a good time.
I have been a fan of Vin Diesals for a long time, every interview I see him on, he is always so respectful.
This was such a great opportunity! 🙂 Looks like a fun time was had by all!
I love that he was so cool at the interview. I would hope that he was a cool guy.
Sounds like a wonderful movie and interview. It’s nice to hear that he’s so down to earth!
I would have swooned. I adore Vin!
He was amazing to interview! I still have goosebumps!
How fun! I love LOVE love Vin Diesel. Seems like a great guy on and off camera.
So much fun! I’ll bet you had a great time!
Must have been so cool meeting a celeb! I have never met a star before!
How awesome is it that you got to do that! Vin Diesel is the whole reason I want to see that movie!
Wow so many bloggers that I know got an opportunity to attend this amazing meeting!! I am so happy you all had a blast with the special media exclusive meet and greet with Vin D!
It was obvious that he had a passion for being Groot and it showed as he talked.