The Avatar of Life is coming to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with it being confirmed that Will Poulter will play Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3Adam's arrival to the MCU has been eagerly awaited for years by fans, as he is one of the most powerful characters in the entire Marvel Universe. And since he's had a long and fairly complicated history in the comics, let's break down some key points about the character.

Who Is Adam Warlock - and What Is His Marvel Comics Origin?

In the comic book source material, Adam is created by a group of scientists called the Enclave. Initially intended to be the first of a race of "perfect" beings, Adam (then only known as Him) escapes from the Enclave to travel the universe. After crossing paths with the villainous High Evolutionary, Adam acquires the Soul Gem (later renamed the Soul Stone), which enhances his powers greatly.

RELATED: Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Is Nebula and Gamora's Story

Adam is involved with many large-scale cosmic events and storylines, including Infinity Gauntlet (in which he obtains the titular artifact) and Annihilation: Conquest (in which he helps to create the Guardians of the Galaxy). Throughout his career, Adam has maintained a friendship with the rest of the superhero community, serving as an incredibly powerful ally in the fight against evil across the galaxy.

How Adam Warlock's Introduction Was Teased in Two MCU Films

Adam Warlock Cocoon Thor The Dark World

Adam's arrival to the MCU has been hinted at since Phase Two. Thor: The Dark World features a visit to the Collector's museum, and one of the many items seen within his collection is a giant cocoon. This cocoon, which is seen again in Guardians of the Galaxy, is a reference to Adam's artificial creation in the comics.

Director James Gunn has previously stated that Adam is one of his favorite Marvel characters, and has also claimed that his original story idea for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 heavily featured him. Gunn ended up cutting him from the story after realizing there were too many characters, but that film's post-credits scene depicts Ayesha having begun to grow Adam within a Sovereign birthing pod.

RELATED: Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Launch Trailer Appears to Reveal Adam Warlock

Adam Warlock Is a Godlike Being With Immense Cosmic Powers

Adam-Warlock

Thanks to the fact that he was genetically created to be perfect, Adam is one of the Marvel Universe's most powerful heroes, to the extent that he has been able to wield the Infinity Gauntlet several times without harm. His many powers include superhuman strength, durability and speed, flight, telepathy, manipulation of cosmic energy and even magic. Adam also has the ability to regenerate in a cocoon after he dies, rendering him essentially immortal.

Despite His Vast Powers, Adam Warlock Possesses Weaknesses

Adam Warlock grabbing the Infinity Gauntlet from Magus Marvel Comics

The phrase "the bigger they are, the harder they fall" comes to mind when discussing Adam, due to the fact that his immense power carries a heavy burden with it. Adam's main weakness is Magus, an evil version of himself with several different origins. Due to the fact that he is essentially a duplicate of Adam, Magus has the same powers as him, and thus poses a grave threat to both Adam and the universe at large.

Adam is also weak to the Godslayer, a powerful sword wielded by Gamora. The weapon is originally given to her by Thanos to kill Magus, and due to their connection, Adam is also weak to it. Fortunately, Adam and Gamora share a close friendship that lets him trust her to use it as a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

RELATED: Guardians of the Galaxy: James Gunn Teases Huge Roles for Mantis and Nebula in Vol. 3

What Is Adam Warlock's Connection to the Soul Stone?

Adam Warlock with the Soul Gem in Marvel Comics.

One of the things about Adam that makes him so powerful is his bond with the Soul Stone. He was originally given the gem by the High Evolutionary, but he continued to use it while operating as a hero. The Stone greatly enhances his powers, but it also hungers for the souls of others.

Given the fact that the MCU's Soul Stone was destroyed along with the rest of the Infinity Stones, it seems unlikely that Adam will use it in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. But if Adam exhibits his comic counterpart's powers without even needing an Infinity Stone, then he will easily take the title of the MCU's most powerful character.

To see Adam Warlock's MCU debut, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hit theaters May 5, 2023. 

KEEP READING: James Gunn Completely Rules Out One MCU Debut in GotG Holiday Special