Adam Warlock Has To Die In Guardians Of The Galaxy 3 (To Become A Hero)

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will finally introduce Will Poulter's Adam Warlock, but it's possible that his first adventure in the MCU could prove fatal. The fan-favorite superhero won't exactly be the character that comics readers know just yet, as the emotional conclusion to James Gunn's epic Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy will see Warlock hunt down the Guardians, acting as an antagonist in their latest adventure. However, the character's origins in the comics echo a similar beginning fighting against the heroes before having a change of heart.

After missing Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, Adam Warlock's MCU debut is even more exciting than ever before, as the franchise explores uncharted territory with the iconic Marvel Comics character. Taking place all the way back in 2014, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 first introduced the alien race known as the Sovereign, whose queen, Ayesha, set work in motion to build a superior being capable of hunting down and killing the Guardians. Now, a decade later, Ayesha's experiments appear to have finally come to fruition, producing a highly powerful being that will certainly stand as one of the greatest threats that the Guardians have ever faced.

Adam Warlock Needs To Die In Order To Redeem Himself

Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) in first image for Guardians of the Galaxy 3

Because he will be introduced to the franchise as a villain, Adam Warlock must die in order to become a hero. James Gunn has teased Guardians 3's high death count, both in real life and the recent Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, but few viewers would ever suspect that the franchise's newest character may be one of the film's many casualties. Nevertheless, adding shock value is not the only reason that Warlock should meet his bitter end during the events of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. After his repeated acts of villainy throughout the film, his selfless sacrifice may be the only way to fully redeem Adam's character.

James Gunn has teased that Adam Warlock will not be a hero in the upcoming Guardians film, and will function as an antagonist thanks to the Sovereign's programming. While the real reason Adam Warlock fights the Guardians may be more nuanced, a redemption arc does not typically come without great sacrifice. As other Marvel villains who saw the error of their ways, including Loki, Gorr, and the Scarlet Witch, proved, the only true way to atone for their malevolent actions is to pay with their life. Especially if his actions cost the lives of others, the only way audiences will forgive Adam is if he dies too.

Adam Warlock's Perfect Redemption & Death Are Already Set Up In GOTG 3

Will Poulter as Adam Warlock with Chukwudi Iwuji as High Evolutionary in Guardians of the Galaxy 3

While the notion of Adam Warlock's sudden redemption and death may seem far-fetched at first, GotG 3 is already setting up this turn of events in its first trailer with a clever nod to the comics. The comic book version of Adam Warlock was also a villainous character at first, only turning over a new leaf and embracing a heroic arc after coming to see that he had been deceived by the High Evolutionary, who happens to be the villain of Guardians 3. A major part of Adam's epiphany occurred during his stay on Counter-Earth, a planet that the first trailer for the upcoming film has already teased.

In the comics, Adam Warlock ends up sacrificing his life for the people of Counter-Earth, becoming their champion when their world is threatened. In death, he solidifies his redemption arc and becomes a true hero. GotG 3's inclusion of both Counter-Earth and the High Evolutionary hint at Adam Warlock's arc in the film, which may begin with him as an antagonist, but will build to his heroic redemption. If this is the case, an unexpected and emotionally poignant twist would include Adam laying down his life to save the civilization on Counter-Earth and stop the High Evolutionary from accomplishing whatever his nefarious goals may be.

How Adam Warlock Can Be Resurrected In The MCU

Adam warlock guardians of the galaxy vol 3 soul world

As with many other superheroes who selflessly lay down their lives, death does not need to be the end for Adam Warlock in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In fact, the franchise may have already introduced the perfect comic-accurate way to resurrect the powerful superhero after his death. The MCU has introduced a different Soul World than the one typically seen in Marvel Comics, appearing after both Thanos and Tony's snap using the Infinity Gauntlet. Though this realm hasn't been officially confirmed as the Soul World from the comics, Warlock's death and subsequent resurrection is an opportunity to fix this oversight and introduce a vital new dimension to the MCU.

After his death in the comics, Adam Warlock's consciousness manifests itself in Soul World, which is contained within the Soul Stone. There he remained until his presence was once again needed in the universe, forcing him to manifest a new body for himself in order to protect all innocent life, becoming far more powerful in the process. Adapting this storyline in the MCU would not only confirm the existence of Soul World but also allow Adam Warlock to become far more powerful as a result of his resurrection. The reborn Adam Warlock could then set about righting his many wrongs from the events of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

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