In some sense, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 concludes the series that James Gunn started within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The director has confirmed that the film will be the last to see the team united, meaning the Guardians’ future will see some changes down the line in any future installments. However, there is one character that fans probably will not prefer departing from the franchise. Adam Warlock will appear in GOTG Vol. 3making his debut in live-action format after being teased in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
After a long search for actors, Gunn and Marvel Studios signed actor Will Poulter (Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, Midsummer) to portray Warlock. The actor is said to undergo a significant transformation to play the character. It might be the last of the original Guardians of the Galaxy team, but it could hardly be the end for Warlock, who makes his first appearance in the franchise. In a recent interview with Collider, Poulter was asked how he sees his character continuing in the MCU. Poulter replied,
Sure. Yeah, you do have to entertain that possibility. The truth is, I do not actually know what the future holds for me regarding the character.
Poulter was also asked if taking on the role impacted his other projects, given Marvel’s deals are mostly long-spanned. Poulter said a considerable commitment is required, and he is indeed grateful for the opportunity.
Certainly, it comes with a certain level of commitment that requires consideration, but obviously, I’m very grateful to have been given the role.
Marvel Studios keeps the details of its plans entirely secret from the cast, going to the lengths of not sharing entire scripts with them. Even if Marvel Studios have plans for him, Poulter, who was not aware of his role till after the audition, will not know any details of how and when he will appear next in the MCU after GOTG VOl. 3. Poulter did not provide any information regarding the number of projects he signed in to appear within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Earlier, he has denied knowing anything about Marvel’s plans for him in any future installment yet.
Given that Marvel recently brought back Anson Mount as Black Bolt in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, it’s clear that it always comes up with some plans for its characters. And since Warlock is highly important in the comics’ lore, he will likely be back.
Marvel Studios’ Future Plans Make Room For Warlock
Adam Warlock has been both an adversary and a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy in the comics. The character was hinted to become an antagonist in GOTG Vol. 2. In that film, after the Sovereign is defeated at the hands of the Guardians, Ayesha reveals her plans to give birth to a cosmic being, raised in a cocoon-like structure, who shall take on the heroes and exact revenge. In that monologue, she names him Adam.
It’s possible that the Guardians will have a face-off with Warlock in the film and might later unite to cater to a bigger threat. That could lead Warlock to make new alliances in the future. Marvel Studios have further dropped bread crumbs for several storylines within the MCU that could feature Warlock.
Eternals introduced Pip the Troll, who has been an active associate of Warlock in the comics. Warlock has also allied with Gamora, where he played an essential role in Marvel Comics’ Infinity Gauntlet series. Theories speculated that Warlock should appear in Avengers: Endgame, given the character had a significant part in the war against Thanos’ quest to assemble all Infinity gems. Moreover, Marvel Studios is also stretching the boundaries of cosmos to include new cosmic entities via films like Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania spirit The Marvels. Speculation suggests that Nova is also in development at Marvel Studios, opening more possibilities for Adam Warlock’s future appearances.
