With rumours circulating in recent days – and frequent rumour debunker James Gunn conspicuous by his silence on social media – Deadline has now confirmed that British actor Will Poulter has joined the cast of Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in the role of Adam Warlock.
Gunn had originally planned to include Adam Warlock as a major character in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, although he was ultimately cut from the film and instead only teased through a post credits scene with Elizabeth Debecki’s Ayesha creating Him as a tool to destroy the Guardians. Now the character will make his live-action debut courtesy of Poulter, who is said to have won the role ahead of Rege-Jean Page (Bridgerton) and George MacKay (1917).
Both Gunn and Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige have previously stated that Adam will play an important role in the cosmic side of the MCU, so it’s unlikely that his appearance will be a one and done affair (interestly, Gunn recently teased the introduction of a major Marvel character in Disney+’s The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special). Assuming Marvel follows the comic book source material, expect Adam to start out as an antagonist before turning face with a heroic ‘rebirth’ that sees him becoming one of the MCU’s most powerful superheroes.
UPDATE: Gunn has now confirmed Poulter’s casting on Twitter…
As you guys know I often strike down false rumors, so… um…
Welcome to the Guardians family, Will Poulter. He’s an amazing actor and wonderful guy. See you in a couple weeks. #AdamWarlock #GotGVol3 https://t.co/RaNeGDIC0E
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 11, 2021
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will see the return of Chris Pratt (Star-Lord), Zoe Saldana (Gamora), Dave Bautista (Drax the Destroyer), Bradley Cooper (Rocket Raccoon), Vin Diesel (Groot), Karen Gillan (Nebula), Pom Klementieff (Mantis), Sean Gunn (Kraglin) and Elizabeth Debecki (Ayesha).
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is set for release on May 5th 2023.