The ultimate Marvel hunk – Adam Warlock, has finally arrived in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and fans are still scratching their heads. The character has made its debut with Marvel’s newest flick – Guardians of the Galaxy (GOTG) Vol. 3 and was portrayed by Will Poulter. However, there are some remarkable differences between how the character was portrayed in MCU as opposed to his traits in the comics. Let’s see.
Spoiler alert for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Comics
The character of Adam Warlock first appeared in Fantastic Four #66 (1967) as a superpowerful being who was only called as ‘Him’. However, his origin and backstory were revealed in subsequent issues of “The Mighty Thor” and “The Power of Warlock” series. He was created by a group of scientists called the Enclave. They were seeking to create the perfect human being, a being with unlimited power and potential. The Enclave’s experiments involved the use of advanced genetic engineering and artificial evolution. In “The Mighty Thor” #165, it is revealed that the Enclave’s experiments resulted in the creation of a cocoon containing the perfect human specimen. This cocoon was found by a group of researchers who opened it and discovered Adam Warlock inside.
Movie
Adam Warlock, in the MCU however, takes a new take on the character’s origin story. In the MCU, Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) is the ultimate weapon of the Sovereign, created by Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki) and High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji) to kill the Guardians of the Galaxy. He was prematurely awakened by High Evolutionary, who tasked him with capturing Rocket Raccoon, only for Adam’s efforts to be thwarted by the Guardians. However, after the death of Ayesha (whom Adam regarded as his mother) at the hands of High Evolutionary, Adam decides to join the new Guardians roster under Rocket’s leadership.
As opposed to his having almost god-like capabilities in the comics, Adam Warlock in the MCU is seen as childish and naive despite being the best of his race. He blindly followed and did what his ‘mother’ Ayesha told him to do. Adam’s behavior indicated that he did not behave the way he did out of any malice, but merely out of the desire to please his mother and protection of his people. So, he remained pure at heart due to his youth and naivety. In terms of powers, this Warlock rendition was shown to possess superhuman strength, the ability to fly, tremendous physical resilience, and can manipulate and shoot golden (cosmic) energy blasts.
However, Adam Warlock’s screen time was very less in the movie. So, it can safely be said that in subsequent projects (movies or series) that he is slated to appear, his powers and abilities will grow even further. With time maybe, he might grow into the powerful, wise, sentient being that his character in the comics is known for.
