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Los Angeles - Vin Diesel has been confirmed to play Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy.
The Fast & Furious actor will be taking on the part of the tree-like alien superhero in the upcoming Marvel space saga, director James Gunn has officially announced on his Facebook page.
He posted a picture of Diesel posing alongside a mask of his leafy character, adding: "Yep, it is completely official. AND he's amazing. I never knew someone could say 'I AM GROOT' so many different ways and with such feeling (and that sounds like I'm kidding but I'm not!)."
This summer Diesel had hinted at the casting by posting a picture of Groot on his own Facebook page, before swiftly taking it down.
The sentient character gains super strength from absorbing wood and has the ability to control trees. However, the role will require little dialogue as Groot's sole line is, "I am Groot."
Guardians of the Galaxy features Chris Pratt as the Star Lord, Peter Quil, a human pilot who gets involved with a group of mismatched mercenaries who decide to form an intergalactic crime-fighting team. Other cast members include Zoe Saldana, Benicio Del Toro, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, Karen Gillan and Bradley Cooper.
The film is set for release in August 2014.
