How Guardians Of The Galaxy 3's Villain Is Connected To Every Guardian

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3's villain, the High Evolutionary, already has connections to each Guardian. In the final installment of James Gunn's trilogy, Peacemaker actor Chukwudi Iwuji joins the cast alongside Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, and Sean Gunn. There isn't much known about Iwuji's performance as the High Evolutionary, but the actor has teased pre-established ties to the guardians. While there is speculation of the High Evolutionary's involvement in Rocket Raccoon's origin, in an interview with Screen Rant at SDCC 2022, Iwuji shared that he is connected to the rest of the team too.

Previously known as Herbert Wyndham, the High Evolutionary is a brilliant biologist who became consumed by the study of evolution and genetic alteration. Wyndham eventually relocates to Mount Wundagore where he puts his studies into practice by experimenting on local animals, turning some into talking humanoids known as the New Men. Ultimately, the High Evolutionary becomes so powerful that he evolves into a higher being whose intellect succeeds any other human. His obsession with genetics and extraordinary power means he could've had a role in many of the guardians' pasts.

Rocket Raccoon's Origin Story

Baby Groot on Rocket Racoon's shoulder in Guardians of the Galaxy Movie

In particular, Rocket Raccoon's origin has never been explained, so he could've been one of the High Evolutionary's experiments. In the first Guardians, Rocket's background is briefly discussed as "the result of illegal genetic and cybernetic experiments on a lower life form." While there isn't a connection between Rocket and the High Evolutionary in the comics, it seems plausible that Rocket could've been one of the High Evolutionary's New Men. With the High Evolutionary as Guardians 3's main villain, it potentially offers Rocket the chance to confront his past which he admits makes him feel like a monster.

In the teaser trailer released at SDCC 2022, a flashback shows a hand reaching toward baby Rocket. In addition to the trailer's hints, Gunn commented at Comic-Con that Rocket would be a "driving force" in Guardians 3. Having Rocket's origin finally explored would be a good way to close his arc, especially since this movie is to be the last in the trilogy. Rocket's background aligns with the High Evolutionary's attempts to play God, but he may have had a role in the history of other Guardians.

Groot and Mantis' Connection

Groot smiles while flashes of light shine around him in Guardians of the Galaxy

Groot's home Planet X consists of Flora Colossus, plantlike organisms, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the High Evolutionary wasn't involved in the creation of his species. The High Evolutionary's brain is so advanced that he can create his own planet. At one point in the comics, he creates a replica of Earth called Counter-Earth and populates it with his own human societies. This means he may also play a role in the creation of Planet X with Groot and the tree-like creatures there. This could also explain Rocket and Groot's bond, since they are both experiments of the High Evolutionary, whether they are consciously aware of this dynamic or not.

Mantis is also unaware of her true origin since she was found by Ego as a larva. As an empathetic insectoid being, Mantis fits the type of creature that the High Evolutionary would experiment on. It is possible that Mantis could have been one of the High Evolutionary's failed projects similarly to Rocket and Groot as misfits of creation.

Gamora and Nebula's Connection

Gamora and Nebula standing in forest in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

As children, Gamora and Nebula were in constant competition with each other. Every time Nebula lost against Gamora, Thanos would upgrade her to be Gamora's equal. While Nebula's enhancements are visible, Gamora's criminal record states she has enhancements that are not visible. Thanos could have used augments from Guardians 3's villain to enhance his daughters' abilities. The High Evolutionary's obsession with genetic modification could lend itself to the use of augments to improve natural genetics. While the High Evolutionary is powerful, Thanos is a Titan, a godlike being that could likely overpower him.

Additionally, the High Evolutionary's ethics clash with Thanos', who believes the galaxy will run out of finite resources to support all the lifeforms in the universe. The High Evolutionary continues to experiment and create lifeforms despite the havoc they may bring to the universe. Nevertheless, Thanos and the High Evolutionary could have reached some sort of deal to continue Thanos' use of his technology. Perhaps, Thanos would leave the High Evolutionary's planets alone if he agreed to assist him. He may also be willing to turn a blind eye to the High Evolutionary's experiments to keep collecting augments for his daughters.

Drax's Connection

Drax posing to fight in Guardians of the Galaxy

The remaining Guardians of the Galaxy may not have had their genetics influenced by the High Evolutionary, but they may be connected to him in another way. Drax's mission to avenge his wife and daughter could have set him on a hunt to steal augments to make himself stronger. After all, Drax survives after Ronan beats him to death. While this could be attributed to the Celestial bone marrow he is thrown in, it is possible that he could have also obtained healing powers from something he took from the High Evolutionary's experiments. The High Evolutionary could have valuable items that not only Drax would be interested in, but other criminals.

Star-Lord and Kraglin's Connection

Star-Lord and Kraglin talking in Guardians of the Galaxy

As a bounty hunter, Star-Lord/Peter Quill bends to the highest price, and with the High Evolutionary's long history of genetic alteration, he will have created something that was very valuable. Whether it was a highly dangerous creature or an intelligent member of the New Men, someone would pay good money for its delivery. This is where Star-Lord's connection could originate. He might have robbed the High Evolutionary at some point.

Kraglin, one of the newest members of the guardians, could have also accepted a bounty for a creature that the High Evolutionary created. Possibly, both Star-Lord and Kraglin teamed up to rob the High Evolutionary when they were in the Yondu Ravager Clan. While all these connections are purely theoretical at this point, with Rocket's most likely, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has the opportunity to expand on the Guardians' pasts and provide a satisfying conclusion to Gunn's trilogy.

Next: Why Gamora Is With The Ravagers In Guardians of The Galaxy 3