Filmmaker James Gunn has spoken about the introduction of Will Poulter’s Adam Warlock character in Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” saying the role is more complicated than it may appear on the surface.
The film sees the ‘Guardians’ team looking a little different than the last film as Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally them to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own.
With this being the confirmed final ‘Guardians’ film with this team, stakes are high and not all may survive – certainly the various actors of the team are ready to move on it seems, as is Gunn who has the DC screen universe to steer for the next ten years.
Pushing along the change is Adam Warlock, first teased in a post-credits scene in the second film. He’s a being born with God-like powers and the mind of a child who is known for being the bearer of the Soul Stone in the comics.
He is mostly pretty unknown outside of comic circles. Speaking with Empire, Gunn teased Warlock’s introduction and says whilst yes he’s an antagonist, he’s not really a villain:
“He’s definitely not a good guy. What we’re seeing is the infant form of Warlock, newly out of the cocoon, and he does not understand life very well. He’s basically a baby.”
Gunn also spoke about his casting for the role, saying when he hired the 6’3 Poulter he was looking for someone with a youthful spark and was well aware of their potential importance to the MCU overall:
“People online were saying, ‘Oh, Tom Cruise should be Adam Warlock’. I wanted somebody who was youthful, and I wanted the person who had the dramatic chops and the comedic chops, not only for this movie but for what Marvel will use Adam Warlock for in the future… He could become this really important character.”
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is set to premiere in cinemas on May 5th 2023.
