Why Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 May Include 2 More Superhero Teams

In addition to Star-Lord's group, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 may include two more superhero teams. The third installment in James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy already boasts an impressive cast of Marvel Comics characters, but based on the direction of the story, there should be room for other surprise appearances. In fact, entire superhero teams could be on hand when the Guardians go on their next adventure.

By all indications, the Guardians of the Galaxy will have their hands full when they make their big-screen return in the MCU's second Phase 5 movie. Played by Chuwudi Iwuji, the High Evolutionary is in a position to serve as the main villain of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Notorious for his history of using science to "evolve" animals and humans, the High Evolutionary is poised to be a force to be reckoned with in the movie. As if one MCU powerhouse isn't enough, the Guardians will also have to get past Will Poulter's Adam Warlock, who has been shown fighting Drax, Groot, and Nebula in the trailers. But fortunately for the Guardians, there's a possibility they'll be receiving some much-needed help by the end of the movie.

GOTG 3 Hints At The Return Of The Original Guardians

Stakar Ogord with his old team in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Marvel unveiled its take on the original Guardians of the Galaxy team from the classic comics. Rather than introduce them as a group of 30th-century superheroes, Marvel reimagined them as a retired band of Ravagers. They put the group back together in one of the post-credits scenes, thus setting the stage for them to fight as a team in a future MCU movie. From the looks of things, Marvel may be gearing up to follow up on that tease in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Neither character has been shown off in either trailer, but both Michael Rosenbaum and Sylvester Stallone are confirmed to return as Martinex and Stakar respectively.

For now, details of their involvement in the story remain under wraps, but there inclusion could be viewed as a sign that Marvel is bringing back the original Guardians. That could very well happen if Martinex and Stakar are joined by two or three of their teammates from the previous movie. Since Michelle Yeoh has since been recast as a second MCU character in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the movie may avoid Aleta Ogord, but additional appearances from Charlie-27, Mainframe, and Krugarr are feasible and could give the movie a second, fully-functioning superhero team.

The High Evolutionary Sets Up The Knights of Wundagore

The specific villain Marvel has chosen for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 creates the setup necessary for a lesser-known of heroes from Marvel Comics to officially join the MCU. In the comic books, the High Evolutionary populated his headquarters with anthropomorphic beings created with his advanced technology. Referred to as the New Men, these animal-like humanoids eventually formed their own superhero group. Calling themselves the Knights of the Wundagore, the team became devoted to protecting their home, Mount Wundagore, from the villains who threatened it.

The High Evolutionary's confirmed role in Rocket's origin story exists as proof that the MCU is using the New Men. Not only that, but Rocket is one of them, as is Lylla the Otter, Rocket's love interest from the comics. Others of their kind have been spotted in the trailers where they appear to be based on the MCU's Counter-Earth. Some of these characters could be the movie's interpretations of some of the New Men who joined the Knights in Marvel Comics, such as Tagar, Lepard, Wulf, Ossilot, and more. But considering that the MCU's High Evolutionary is based in outer space, the Knights of Wundagore would most likely have a different name if used in the movie.

Where Both Superhero Teams Can Fit Into GOTG 3's Story

The high evolutionary in Guardians of the galaxy 3.

Given what's been revealed about the challenge they're facing, the Guardians may need every ally they can find in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. In the comic books, the High Evolutionary is a character whose ambitions made him an Avengers-level threat on multiple occasions. With "The Evolutionary War" crossover of 1988 being a prime example of his capabilities, the Avengers have been known to require large-scale team-ups to take him down. With this in mind, it'll make sense if Star-Lord's group winds up joining forces with other teams to beat him in the climax of the film.

To stop him from achieving his goals, they may have to reach out to Stakar for help. As for the New Men, they may be servants of the High Evolutionary at the start of the story, but they should already have good reasons to switch sides. If they all have the same tragic backstories as Rocket, they could be rallied into opposing their master at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. At the end of the conflict, they could form a reworked version of the Knights of Wundagore and continue to protect Counter-Earth in the aftermath of the High Evolutionary's defeat.

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