James Gunn says he does not see a penny of the sales of Baby Groot

James Gunn He cemented himself as one of the most successful superhero directors in Hollywood. Not only did he handed the fans of Marvel the fans Guardians of the galaxy trilogy, but now he is also guiding the accusation to the DC Studios with his acclaimed Superman Films that strikes cinemas this year.

With an already confirmed sequel, Gunn is balancing two of the largest comic universes. But fans who followed him from his Marvel days could be surprised by a recent revelation that he did on one of his most loved creations … Baby Groot.

I’m sure all of you remember how the Groot child has absolutely stole the show Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. It quickly became a favorite by fans, just as Gogu did The Mandalorian.

Just as Baby Yoda Toys flew from the shelves, the merch for Baby Groot dominated when the film fell. With all that popularity, you would think that Gunn would have collected some serious money from those sales. It turns out that it is not the case at all.

Speaking at the Howard Stern Show, Gunn explained:

“We created the character of Baby Groot, you know, I designed that character. I don’t do anything about that money in the same way that comics artists don’t do it.”

Right. Gunn does not see a single dollar of children’s toys, funko pops, stuffed stuffed or any of the infinite collectibles that fans grab.

It is a shocking truth considering how much part of his creativity went to model the character. He also revealed that Baby Groot is not a reincarnate Groot, but more than a “Jr.” With his memories, personality and oddities. Some of his dance moves came even directly from Gunn himself.

Of course, Gunn wants fans to know that he is not exactly hurting money. He continued to add:

“I am incredibly well paid. Guardians 2 and 3, especially Guardians 3. I am incredibly well paid in advance and on the back-end. I also do back-end dollars. I don’t make money with merchandising.”

This makes sense when you think how huge it is Guardians of the galaxy Franchising became. The first film was an instant version of a higher level Marvel in 2014 and each sequel only strengthened its impact. Baby Groot alone probably helped to ensure that a third film would take place.

However, it raises some interesting questions about how merchandising profits, in particular with comic creators, who do not really see an extra salary when it comes to giving life to their characters in films, TV, action figures, toys or games.

In the end, Gunn doesn’t seem to disturb too much.