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Adam Warlock explained — the Guardian of the Galaxy’s MCU backstory

We met golden boy Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3, so here's everything you need to know about the exciting MCU character.

Will Poulter as Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

We had been waiting a long time to meet Adam Warlock. Among the many heroes and villains to grace the panels of Marvel comics over the years, few are as powerful or intriguing.

After 15 years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he was brought to life in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and finally has his time to shine. With him seemingly in the lineup for upcoming Marvel movies, let’s go into his background.

Adam Warlock explained

In the MCU, Adam Warlock is a “perfect” and incredibly powerful being created by the Sovereign.

He is essentially the son of Ayesha, the High Priestess, who was responsible for bringing him to life. The MCU’s version of Adam is played by Will Poulter.

Adam is a simple young man who is just starting to learn about the universe and his place in it. He is easily confused, takes instructions very literally, and though he does some pretty nasty things, his heart is in the right place in the end.

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Adam Warlock’s powers and abilities explained

Adam Warlock’s powers include flight, super strength, invulnerability, and the ability to emit deadly beams of energy. He’s incredibly fast, too.

This all tracks with the comic book version of the character, although in Guardians 3, he’s presented as a slightly more flawed being than he is in the comics.

Elizabeth Debicki as Ayesha in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

How was Adam Warlock created?

Adam Warlock was created by the High Priestess of the Sovereign, Ayesha, using a birth pod.

The Sovereign are constantly evolving and developing new technology in order to perfect their race, and Adam is seen as the next step in that process.

Will Poulter as Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

What is Adam Warlock’s purpose?

Ayesha created Adam Warlock to destroy the Guardians of the Galaxy.

She wanted to get revenge on the heroes after they humiliated her in Guardians 2 and tasked Adam with making amends for this.

The fate of the High Priestess ultimately rests on Adam’s shoulders, too, as the High Evolutionary is displeased with her previous efforts to stop the Guardians. The Marvel villain tells her in no uncertain terms that Adam has to be a success, or she will pay the price.

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Is Adam Warlock good or bad?

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3, Adam Warlock begins life as a villain but eventually becomes a good guy.

By the time we reach the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 ending, Adam has been redeemed and even becomes a member of the new Guardians of the Galaxy team. We expect he will play a key role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 4 if that gets announced.

Until we know more on that front, check out our Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 review to see what we thought of Adam Warlock’s debut. While you’re here, find out why we think Dave Bautista is the best wrestler turned actor, or explore our list of the best movies of all time.