Marvel keeps a tight lid on its upcoming projects. "Guardians of the Galaxy" was no exception, even when a lucrative merchandising opportunity became apparent during filming.
Director James Gunn recognized the potential of a toy based on the dancing baby Groot character seen during the mid-credits scene. Marvel can control its secrets within the industry, but keeping mouths shut outside the movie-making operation is another story.
"The reason it didn't happen is because you have some control in the film industry over secrets getting out there, but the people you don't have much control over are the toy people, unfortunately," Gunn told Vulture.
"Those toy designs get out, always! And people definitely would have gotten ahold of the Baby Groot if we had started manufacturing it in time for it to come out after the movie, so that was the biggest reason we didn't push on that particular element."
Peter Quill a.k.a. Star-Lord and his team repotted a piece of their friend Groot when the sentient tree was destroyed in the final face-off with Ronan. By Christmas, everyone can have a little grooving Groot.
Marvel Entertainment KIDdesigns will release the officially licensed dancing Groot for $14.99 in December. The animated plant will boogey to Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" that plays through the built-in speaker.
Crafty fans of "dancing baby Groot" quickly made their own prototypes first and put them up on sites like Etsy right after the movie premiered in August.
Other fun Groot toys available this holiday season are the Funko POP! Marvel figures. The company has produced a Groot Vinyl Bobble-Head and a Dancing Groot Vinyl Bobble-Head will become available Dec. 31.
"Guardians of the Galaxy" comes out on Blu-Ray/DVD on Dec. 9 and Digital HD on Nov. 18.
