Adam Warlock is probably the most vital character of Cosmic Marvel…that you’ve never even heard of. Though this character has been central to the history of Thanos, the Infinity Stones, and the Guardians of the Galaxy, for some reason he has yet to make any kind of appearance. His absence has been so notable that directors James Gunn and the Russo Bro’s have had to defend their omission of the character from the first two GOTG movies and Avengers: Infinity War to fans multiple times.
Still, while it may take longer than first thought, it seems to only be a matter of time before Adam makes his live-action debut. An Easter Egg in a Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 post-credit scene appears to have set the stage for his arrival that some fans believe could be as early as next year’s Avengers 4. To prep for Adam’s appearance, here are some must-know facts about the enigmatic hero.
Potential Spoilers For “Avengers: Infinity War” follow
“I think I shall call him…Adam”
In GOTG 2 our heroes encounter an advanced race of golden humanoids known as the Sovereign, who reproduce through artificial means in order to ensure genetic perfection. At the end of the film, the Sovereign’s High Priestess Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki) reveals her plan to create an even more perfect being, one who could hopefully destroy the heretical Guardians. As the Priestess ruminates on her creation’s abilities, the camera cuts to a gilded pod wherein the creature Ayesha dubs ‘Adam’ gestates.
This is the MCU adaption of the creation of Adam, as well as a profoundly altered version of Ayesha. Initially, both Adam and Ayesha (better known as ‘Kismet’) originated on Earth from the attempts of scientists to create the genetically perfect being. The first attempt led to a golden being simply called ‘Him’ emerging from an organic cocoon and, entirely dismissive of his creators and their nefarious plans, flying off into the galaxy. “Him” would eventually become Adam Warlock, cosmic messiah and primary bearer of the Soul Gem. Kismet or ‘Her’ was born from the scientists’ second attempt and is generally seen as Adam’s female twin and equal, with roughly the same abilities and penchant for gestational cocoons.
His Own Worst Enemy
While Adam has served time and time again as the foil against Thanos, the Titan is far from his worst enemy. That honor goes to a being known as the Magus, who also happens to be a twisted future version of Adam. The Magus was responsible for the death of billions, including Gamora’s entire race, as he led a crusade of hate against the galaxy as the head of an organization called the Universal Church of Truth. Thanos has even teamed up with Adam and other comic heroes multiple times to defeat the Magnus or attempt to change Adam’s fate of being corrupted into the malignant being.
While cryptic comments from the MCU team don’t seem inclined to confirm Adam’s involvement in Avengers 4, it’s highly unlikely that his evil counterpart could make an appearance.
The Soul Stone
While Adam is one of the most significant bearers of the Infinity Gauntlet he is probably even better known for his connection to the Soul Stone, which he typically wore on his forehead (think Vision and the Mind Stone). As its bearer, Adam had access and partial control over a heavenlike pocket universe within the Stone known as ‘Soulworld’ which could draw in and contain the souls of other beings. By containing and then releasing friends, enemies and even himself within Soulworld, Adam could essentially return the dead to life.
The importance of the Stone’s power over life and death and the Soulworld is clear to anyone who has seen Avengers: Infinity War.
While there is no guarantee it functions in the same manner as it’s comic counterpart, it’s entirely possible that the souls of those killed by the Gauntlet could have been pulled into the Soul Stone and therefore eventually be restored to life.
We will have to wait until next year before we can know for sure how, if at all, Adam Warlock and/or the Soul Stone’s capabilities will be utilized in Avengers 4. Until then you can learn more about the character and his connection to the stones and gauntlet in the comic Infinity War was based on, Infinity Gauntlet, as well as the current Infinity Countdown event.