Thor 4 Should Introduce Adam Warlock, NOT Guardians of the Galaxy 3

While Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 could be the movie that introduces Adam Warlock, he should instead make his long-awaited MCU debut in Thor: Love and Thunder. An MCU version of Adam Warlock has been teased for years, but it still hasn't happened. James Gunn, who directed both Guardians of the Galaxy movies, has referred to Warlock as one of his favorite characters, and someone who he wanted to bring into the MCU at some point.

Adam Warlock is one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Universe and the chief protagonist of Infinity Gauntlet, the comic book mini-series which served as the basis for Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, as well as one of the biggest stories in the history of Marvel Comics. Warlock is a genetically-engineered being and the self-proclaimed protector of the Infinity Stones. For years, Warlock carried the Soul Gem in his head and used its power to battle numerous cosmic threats. Warlock has also long been recognized as Thanos' greatest enemy.

Despite his importance to Thanos and Infinity Gauntlet, Adam Warlock had no role in Infinity War or Endgame. However, there was an assumption that a plan still existed for Adam Warlock to eventually appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in some capacity. It was thought that the Golden Gladiator would be introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but it isn't a certainty that this will happen. Though the movie seems like the best opportunity to use the character, it isn't the only option available. Thor: Love and Thunder could make use of the character instead.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Set Up Adam Warlock

Ayesha sits on her throne in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Adam Warlock has been teased ever since a cocoon appeared in the mid-credits scene in 2013's Thor: The Dark World. It appeared again in Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014. Both times, it was seen among the Collector's prized possessions. Its assumed connection to Warlock was because it looked identical to the cocoon that Warlock emerged from in the comics. At first, it was believed that the cocoon was Adam Warlock's, but it's since been confirmed that it belonged to a different member of the Sovereigns.

Marvel took its first real step toward introducing Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. In the beginning of the movie, the Guardians completed a mission for a golden-skinned race of people called the Sovereigns. The Sovereigns are led by a woman named Ayesha (who is actually Warlock's female counterpart in the comics). The Guardians angered Ayesha when they left with the very thing that they were sent to retrieve. Ayesha retaliated by sending her fleets after the Guardians. After being rescued by Ego, it appeared that their conflict with the Sovereigns was over, but a mid-credits scene revealed Ayesha's plan of revenge. Apparently, Ayesha and the Sovereigns genetically engineered a person who they believed would help them kill the Guardians. In naming this person "Adam", Adam Warlock's introduction into the MCU was officially set up.

The Guardians Could Appear In Thor 4

Avengers Infinity War Thor Guardians Galaxy

Instead of becoming the king Odin (Anthony Hopkins) always wanted him to be, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) decided to forge a new path for himself at the end of Avengers: Endgame when he decided to join up with the Guardians. This led to speculation over how Thor's association with the Guardians would affect both Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Thor: Love and Thunder.

In a recent interview, Groot voice actor Vin Diesel appeared to spoil the inclusion of the Guardians in Thor: Love and Thunder. Vin Diesel specifically mentioned the appearance of "some of the Guardians", which would suggest that Thor won't be traveling with the full team. Either way, the Guardians being represented in Thor: Love and Thunder makes sense for Thor's story, especially since he was with them when Endgame ended. If Thor 4 were to reveal that Thor and the Guardians went their separate ways off-screen, it would hurt Thor's Endgame ending. If Thor remains in the Guardians' company, a few of the Guardians could become involved in whatever threat Thor is facing.

Thor 4 Could Introduce Adam Warlock Instead of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Marvel's decision to fire James Gunn from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 made matters complicated for Adam Warlock, since Gunn was the one who had championed the character for years and had to fight to get the Warlock teaser into Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. This certainly delayed the movie by a good bit, but after James Gunn was rehired, the hero's chances of appearing improved. However, Gunn has said that Warlock was never confirmed for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in the first place, which means Gunn's story may not have any room for the hero.

With the possibility that Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy 3 script doesn't include Adam Warlock, and release dates meaning he could be introduced before then anyway now, then Thor: Love and Thunder should take advantage of this opportunity. If he were to be incorporated, Adam Warlock's mission to take down the Guardians could put him on a collision course with the God of Thunder. This would make for a rather exciting confrontation, given Thor and Warlock are two of Marvel's most powerful superheroes.

In Marvel Comics, Thor was among the first people encountered by Warlock when he first emerged from his cocoon. When Warlock was still learning the ways of the world and how to behave properly, he kidnapped Sif with the intention of making her his mate. An intense battle with Thor followed. What happened proved to be a teaching moment for Warlock, who came back later as a much wiser person. Thor: Love and Thunder could take a similar approach with Warlock. Warlock could play the role of a secondary antagonist whose hunt for the Guardians culminates in a fight with Thor. After seeing the error of his ways, Warlock could become a valuable ally.

For a while, it was believed James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy was Adam Warlock's best and only chance of being brought to life on the big screen, but the Guardians potentially appearing in Thor: Love and Thunder means that the Golden Gladiator doesn't need Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to finally join the Marvel Cinematic Universe after all.

More: Thor 4: Predicting The Guardians of the Galaxy's Love & Thunder Role