Avengers: Infinity War presented a plot hole when Thor shared that he understood Groot's language because of a class he took on Asgard. The 2018 movie served as the first half of an epic cinematic event that concluded with Avengers: Endgame the following year. Thor teamed up with members of the Guardians of the Galaxy - specifically Groot and Rocket - before facing off with Thanos during the Battle of Wakanda. The movie, however, added confusion to Groot's inability to say anything other than "I am Groot."

Groot made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy as Rocket Racoon's accomplice. The humanoid tree, officially classified as a "flora colossus," eventually became a member of the ragtag protectors of the galaxy alongside Rocket. With enhanced strength and the power to grow his arms as weaponized branches, Groot emerged as a vital member of the team. He bravely sacrificed his life for the others, but Rocket recovered one of his branches. The branch later grew into Baby Groot, featured in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and teenage Groot, who appeared in Infinity War and Endgame.

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Aside from claiming "we are Groot" before his big sacrifice, Groot strictly used the phrase "I am Groot" as a way to communicate. Groot's limited vocabulary was mentioned in Guardians of the Galaxy when Peter Quill questioned the figure's speech. Rocket explained that his friend's physiology rendered him unable to speak effectively. Despite this, Rocket was able to understand Groot's catchphrase as if it was a different language. In fact, Guardians writer/director James Gunn confirmed that Groot does indeed speak a different language, but those around him only understand it after forming a connection. That wasn't the case, however, in Infinity War.

How Avengers: Infinity War Adds To Groot's Language Confusion

Thor with Rocket and Groot in Avengers Infinity War

After Thanos attacked the Asgardian ship in Infinity War, the God of Thunder was left floating unconscious throughout space. The Guardians rescued him, and in turn, Thor filled them in on Thanos' deadly plan. While there was initial distrust among parties, Thor instantly connected with a few of the members, including Groot. Thor revealed that he understood the angsty adolescent because he once took Groot's specific language as an elective on Asgard. That seemed to contradict Rocket's previous explanation of Groot's speech as well as Gunn's reasoning about the language, introducing an MCU plot hole.

Gunn later claimed (via Twitter) that Thor was joking when he claimed to have taken a Groot educational course on his home planet. The scene from Avengers: Infinity War certainly didn't come off that way, and Gunn's explanation only added to the confusion regarding Groot's speech. First, Groot's ability to speak was said to be linked to a deficiency within the species, but then it was established that he spoke a distinct language. While one character brought up the ability for others to learn the language, one of the filmmakers stated that connecting on a personal level was the only way to understand the humanoid tree. Hopefully, the MCU clears up this aspect of Groot when he returns for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and his upcoming solo series, I Am Groot.

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