Guardians of the Galaxy 3: Who Is the Big Bad?

Guardians of the Galaxy 3: Who Is the Big Bad?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has many memorable villains, from the power-hungry Thanos to the mischievous Loki, but who will menace the Guardians of the Galaxy in their third standalone movie? While the plot and characters of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 are still mostly unknown, some hints, rumors, and speculations suggest a few candidates for the next big bad that the cosmic superheroes may face. Here are some possibilities, ranked by likelihood and potential impact.

1. Adam Warlock

Adam Warlock is a genetically engineered being created by the Enclave, a group of scientists obsessed with creating a perfect society. In the comics, he becomes a hero, a cosmic messiah, and an antihero, sometimes opposing and sometimes aiding other Marvel characters. He possesses various superhuman abilities, including enhanced strength, speed, stamina, agility, durability, and reflexes, as well as energy manipulation, healing, flight, and telepathy. He also wields the Soul Gem, one of the Infinity Stones. In the post-credits scene of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Ayesha, the leader of the Sovereign race, reveals that she has created “the next step in our evolution,” named Adam. While Ayesha intends to use Adam to destroy the Guardians, he turns out to be incomplete and cocooned, implying that he needs more time or external help to hatch and awaken fully. It is possible that Adam Warlock could be the primary antagonist or at least a major player in Guardians of the Galaxy 3, either as a tool of Ayesha or as a conflicted ally or rival of the Guardians.

2. The High Evolutionary

The High Evolutionary is another creation of the Enclave, a brilliant scientist who seeks to advance humanity and other species by accelerating evolution. He has experimented on himself and others, gaining vast knowledge, skills, and abilities, such as shapeshifting, molecular manipulation, temporal displacement, and weather control. He has also created many artificial life forms, including the New Men, animal-human hybrids that serve him and his goals. In the comics, he has clashed with various heroes, including the Guardians of the Galaxy, whom he tries to mold into his perfect warriors. While the High Evolutionary has not appeared in the MCU yet, he has been referenced indirectly, as Rocket Raccoon was created by a similar organization called the Black Vortex, which was inspired by the High Evolutionary’s work. Moreover, James Gunn, the writer-director of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, has expressed interest in using the character and has even hinted that he may have some connection to Rocket’s backstory. If the High Evolutionary does appear in Guardians of the Galaxy 3, he could provide a compelling challenge for the heroes both physically and morally, as his intentions are usually well-meaning but his methods can be ruthless.

3. Magus

Magus is the evil counterpart of Adam Warlock, created by his dark side, the Magus, from a cocoon that Adam left behind. Magus embodies all the negative traits and desires that Adam repressed or rejected, such as pride, hate, and ambition. He seeks to dominate and destroy all life in the universe, believing that he alone deserves to rule as a god. He has fought against various Marvel characters, including his “father” Adam, and has even assembled an army of doppelgangers called the Universal Church of Truth. While Magus has not been mentioned or teased in the MCU yet, he could be introduced as a consequence of Adam Warlock’s emergence or as a separate threat that the Guardians must face. Magus would be a challenging foe for the Guardians, as he would know their weaknesses and secrets, especially those of Adam and his Soul Gem.

4. The Black Order

The Black Order is a group of elite soldiers and assassins loyal to Thanos, the Mad Titan who sought to wipe out half of all life in the universe using the Infinity Stones. The Black Order consists of Corvus Glaive, Proxima Midnight, Ebony Maw, and Cull Obsidian (also known as Black Dwarf). Each member has unique skills and powers, such as Corvus’s indestructible spear, Proxima’s lethal accuracy, Ebony’s mind control and persuasion, and Cull’s immense strength and durability. While the Black Order was mostly defeated or killed during the events of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, some members could have survived and seek revenge against the heroes who foiled their master’s plan. Alternatively, some new members could join the Black Order, either as loyalists or mercenaries, and try to seize power or wealth from the Guardians, who are known to be rich and famous after their previous adventures. However, the Black Order may not be the most original or successful villainous group, as they were ultimately defeated by the Avengers and their allies. They also lacked depth and development compared to other villains like Thanos or Loki, who had personal motives and complex personalities that made them more interesting and memorable. Therefore, if the Black Order were to return in future Marvel movies or shows, they would need to be given a fresh and compelling storyline, as well as more screen time and character development, to stand out and engage audiences.

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