James Gunn Explains Adam Warlock’s “Complicated” Position In ‘Guardians 3’: “He’s Basically A Baby”

While fans are definitely excited by the return of the core members of the Guardians in the upcoming film, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” there’s this tendency for people to be more jazzed about the introduction of new Marvel characters, particularly those with huge lore implications. In ‘Vol. 3,’ the biggest introduction is likely Adam Warlock, played by Will Poulter, in the film. But he may not be exactly what Marvel diehards are expecting, according to filmmaker James Gunn.

READ MORE: Dave Bautista Is Happy ‘Guardians 3’ Is His Marvel Swansong: “I Just Don’t Know If I Want Drax To Be My Legacy”

In a new interview with Empire, James Gunn talked a bit about Adam Warlock and how he figures into the greater story of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” That is to say, he didn’t reveal much (as is the Marvel Studios norm), but Gunn did tease that the Adam Warlock we see in the new film might not be the hero that people know and love from the comic books. At least, not yet. 

“It’s kind of more complicated than that,” Gunn explained when answering whether or not Warlock is good or bad. “But 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.”

READ MORE: James Gunn Teases An “Unannounced DC TV Show” He’s Writing

Gunn is well aware that the characters he introduces in his ‘Guardians’ franchise are likely going to be taken and used elsewhere throughout the MCU. And that knowledge went a long way to how he cast Adam Warlock. Fan casting ideas were all over the place, with many hoping Gunn would go older with his choice. However, the filmmaker chose the younger Poulter to take on the role, and that was by design. 

“People online were saying, ‘Oh, Tom Cruise should be Adam Warlock,’” said the filmmaker. “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.”

Of course, there’s no telling just how Adam Warlock might figure into the future of the MCU. In Marvel Comics, Warlock is a pivotal character in the Infinity Saga, as he is the holder of one of the Infinity Stones. However, with that story already told, it’ll be interesting to see how the character integrates himself with the rest of the universe. Obviously, there are still plenty of other stories worth telling. And when it happens, Will Poulter is going to be that guy. 

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” debuts in theaters on May 5.