Groot Returns in First Pic From Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

The first production photo from ”Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” has been released as filming begins at Pinewood Studios in Atlanta.

The picture shows silhouettes of Star-Lord (played by Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), and yes, a tiny Groot. You’ll recall that in the original 2014 blockbuster, Groot was played (via CGI) by Vin Diesel, and sacrificed himself to save his pals at the end of the movie.

Kurt Russell has also joined the cast. According to Marvel Studios, the new film “continues the team’s adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage.“

In this new photo, we see a tiny Groot riding atop the massive shoulder of Drax.

Pratt also has another major project being shot in Atlanta entitled “Passengers.” Back in January, he posted an inspirational message to his Instagram fans while on Atlanta’s downtown connector that since has gotten more than 240,000 “likes.”