The Complicated History Between Adam Warlock And The High Evolutionary
Marvel fans are just a few short months away from the beginning of Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The studio seems to be hitting the ground running, starting the new era with the conclusion of two trilogies, "Ant-Man" and "Guardians of the Galaxy." The latter debuted its first trailer at Brazil's CCXP last night, and fans can't wait to see the team back on the big screen.
Director James Gunn brings a slew of new characters to "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," adding to the already star-studded cast from the previous two movies. Joining the likes of Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldaña are MCU newcomers Will Poulter ("Midsommar") as Adam Warlock and Chukwudi Iwuji ("Peacemaker") as the High Evolutionary.
Fans have eagerly anticipated Adam Warlock's arrival to the MCU ever since Gunn teased his creation at the end of "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2." Marvel Studios decided to take a different route for the character's origins, having Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki) create Adam instead of the Enclave from the comics. Many fans hoped Adam Warlock would appear in either "Avengers: Infinity War" or "Endgame," given the significant role he played in the comic book storyline, but the studio adapted the story without him.
Regardless, Adam Warlock will make his long-awaited debut in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," and along with Warlock comes the High Evolutionary. The two have a rich comic book history, so it makes sense to bring them into the MCU together.
Adam Warlock has a lot to thank the High Evolutionary for
Marvel Comics introduced Adam Warlock in "Fantastic Four" #66, which was written by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. In an attempt to form the perfect human being, the Enclave created a creature known as "Him." Because of his lack of life experience, "Him" finds himself in a confrontation with Thor, who beats him within an inch of his life in "Thor" #166. He retreats to the regenerative cocoon that birthed him, and that's where the High Evolutionary enters the picture.
"Marvel Premiere" #1 features the rebirth of "Him," who is renamed "Warlock" at the hands of the High Evolutionary. The villain finds the cocoon containing "Him" floating in space and brings it aboard his ship. "Him" requests his return to space after telling the High Evolutionary his story so far, but the High Evolutionary sees "Him" as a possible Ultimate Son that he failed to make. One of the High Evolutionary's creations, Man-Beast, attacks him and escapes before "Him" can intervene. Man-Beast flees to the High Evolutionary's "Counter-Earth," and "Him" decides to chase after him. Before he embarks, the High Evolutionary places the Soul Gem on his forehead, renaming "Him" "Warlock" and completing the rebirth of Adam Warlock.
Because of the role the High Evolutionary played in Adam Warlock's rebirth, he remained an avid defender of his in the comics. The two don't always see eye-to-eye, going so far as to fight each other multiple times, but the High Evolutionary views Adam as his son (via Marvel). With both characters' introductions coming in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," fans can expect to see a similar relationship between the two on the big screen.
"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" hits theaters on May 5, 2023.