Adam Warlock is set to make his official debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and James Gunn is teasing the research he’s doing to make it happen. Even though it initially was thought that Warlock was first teased in the post-credits for Thor: The Dark World, he had no mention in Guardians of the Galaxy. Then in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, his female counterpart Ayesha was heavily involved and ultimately served as his creator. As shown in one of the five post-credits scenes, Adam is going to be included in the end of the trilogy.

Gunn has been hesitant to talk in too much detail about how exactly Warlock will be included, only making it clear that fans know he won’t be in the next two Avengers films. But, as the writer/director is already working on Vol. 3, he’s begun to tease the stories he could pull from.

With him being very active on social media, Gunn took advantage of his Instagram story to tease his late night readings. As shown by Gunn he spent the late parts of the night reading up on Warlock. To be specific, Gunn appears to be reading Marvel Masterworks: Warlock Vol. 1. It contains 12 issues of Marvel comics featuring Warlock including Marvel Premiere (1972) 1-2, Warlock (1972) 1-8, and Incredible Hulk (1968) 176-178.

While it is understandable for Gunn to research an ultra-powerful character like Warlock, this specific reading could provide insight into his desired direction for the character or a change of course to what he now wants. Gunn has already revealed that Warlock was at one point slated to appear in Vol. 2 as a major character, so he is clearly already very familiar with him. Now that he appears to be re-researching the character, it is likely thanks to him going down a different route than he previously envisioned.

Some of this could be thanks to how the Guardians’ appearance in Avengers: Infinity War and Untitled Avengers could change them, and thus have a reaction on the story for Vol. 3.  It was recently revealed that he is playing a waiting game with the Avengers films as he develops the end of his trilogy. This new reading - which could also be something Gunn’s read multiple times in the past - could be to reaffirm his current idea or create new ones. Either way, Gunn must have some rough idea of where he wants to take the third film and Warlock’s arc specifically, and maybe this reading is helping influence them.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is in development and does not have a release date.

Source: James Gunn

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