If you’ve been keeping up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you probably spent years hearing people whisper about a golden god who was supposed to show up and wreck shop. For a long time, it felt like a massive tease that would never actually pay off. But it finally happened. Sorta.
So, what movie is Adam Warlock in? If you're looking for the big, flashy debut where he actually speaks and punches things, the answer is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023).
But if you’re a die-hard fan or just someone who likes to spot every single detail in the background, his "presence" goes back way further than that. He’s been hiding in plain sight—or at least his luggage has been—since 2013.
The Official Debut: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Honestly, most people asking "what movie is Adam Warlock in" are looking for Will Poulter’s performance. In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Adam is introduced as a weapon created by the Sovereign. He isn't exactly the cosmic philosopher he is in the comics yet. Instead, he’s basically a super-powered toddler.
James Gunn, the director, made a very specific choice here. Since he was "born" early from his cocoon to hunt down Rocket Raccoon, he’s physically an adult but mentally a kid. It’s a weird, hilarious, and occasionally intimidating vibe. You’ve got this golden guy flying through space like a human missile, but then he’s also struggling to understand basic social cues or how to deal with his "mom," High Priestess Ayesha.
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He spends a good chunk of the movie as an antagonist. He’s the one who nearly kills Rocket in the opening act, which sets the whole plot in motion. By the end of the film, though, he joins the new iteration of the Guardians of the Galaxy. If you stay for the mid-credits scene, you’ll see him as a full-fledged member of the team, hanging out with Rocket, Groot, Kraglin, Cosmo, and Phyla-Vell.
The "Wait, Was That Him?" Appearances
Marvel loves a long game. Before Will Poulter ever put on the gold face paint, Adam Warlock was teased multiple times. These aren't full roles, but they are technically his first "appearances" in the MCU timeline.
Thor: The Dark World (2013)
This is the one that started all the Reddit theories. In the post-credits scene, Sif and Volstagg visit The Collector’s museum on Knowhere. In the background, there is a large, ribbed, yellowish cocoon. James Gunn later admitted he just put it there because it looked cool and fit the comic book lore, not necessarily because there was a plan yet.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
When the Guardians first visit the Collector's museum, you can see the same cocoon again. It’s sitting there in one of the display cases. After the Power Stone causes the museum to blow up, you can actually see the cocoon is cracked open in the background of a later shot. Fans went wild thinking he had escaped, but the MCU basically retconned this later.
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
This is the most direct tease. In one of the five post-credit scenes, Ayesha is sulking after her defeat. She reveals a new, much more advanced birthing pod. She explicitly says, "I think I shall call him... Adam." This set the stage for his actual arrival six years later.
Why He Wasn't in the Infinity War Movies
It’s a huge point of contention for comic readers. In the original Infinity Gauntlet comics, Adam Warlock is the main guy. He’s the one who leads the heroes against Thanos. He’s the one who eventually ends up with the gauntlet.
So, why wasn't he in Avengers: Infinity War or Avengers: Endgame?
Basically, the writers (Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely) and the Russo Brothers felt that adding a brand-new, god-like character at the last minute would take away from the original Avengers. They wanted the story to be about Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, and the core team. Adding Adam would have felt like a deus ex machina—a literal god showing up to solve a problem the humans had been struggling with for a decade.
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Instead, his role as the "soul" of the story was largely split between characters like Vision and Gamora.
What Most People Get Wrong About MCU Adam Warlock
If you go into Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 expecting the "Space Jesus" version of Adam Warlock from the 1970s comics, you’re going to be confused.
- His Power Level: In the movie, he’s strong, but he’s not "beat-Thanos-single-handedly" strong. He’s still learning.
- The Soul Stone: In the comics, Adam almost always has the Soul Gem embedded in his forehead. In the movie, he just has a generic circular decoration there. Since the Infinity Stones were destroyed in the main MCU timeline, his powers come from Sovereign engineering, not a cosmic artifact.
- His Personality: Comic Adam is brooding, philosophical, and a bit of a loner. Movie Adam is a "himbo." He’s goofy, easily manipulated, and loves his pet "Blurp."
What's Next for the Character?
Now that you know what movie Adam Warlock is in, the real question is where he goes from here. Will Poulter has mentioned in interviews that he’s down to return, but as of early 2026, Marvel hasn't officially announced a Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 4.
However, with the Multiverse Saga heading toward Avengers: Secret Wars, it’s almost a guarantee that the "New Guardians" will show up. Adam is one of the heavy hitters they’ll need if they’re going to face multiversal threats.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Watch the Progression: If you want to see the "evolution" of the tease, watch the post-credits of Thor: The Dark World, then Guardians Vol. 2, and finally Guardians Vol. 3.
- Read the Source Material: To see why people were so hyped, check out the Infinity Gauntlet (1991) limited series. It’ll give you a completely different perspective on who Adam is supposed to be.
- Keep an eye on the "New Guardians": Since the team lineup changed at the end of Vol. 3, any future MCU "cosmic" news will likely involve Adam Warlock as a central figure rather than just a side character.