The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is entering a new phase, a phase where different timelines coexist simultaneously. This new phase will extend from Phase 4 to Phase 6 (2020 – 2026), with two major events being Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars. After that, it will be very difficult to predict what Marvel will bring to its storytelling.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will introduce the villain High Evolutionary on the big screen
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the second Marvel Studios film in 2023 and could mark the final journey of the Guardians in the MCU. The first trailer for this blockbuster has revealed the appearance of High Evolutionary, played by Chukwudi Iwuji, one of the most intriguing and highly anticipated villains in Phase 5 of the MCU.
First appearing in the comic The Mighty Thor #134, published in 1966, High Evolutionary has brought many compelling stories to the Marvel comic universe. Notably, he is often associated with the Evolutionary War, where he attempts to create a new stage of evolution for all beings in the universe.
Although primarily featured in Phases 4, 5, and 6 of the MCU, not every project is expected to directly relate to this theme, as seen in titles like Moon Knight or Werewolf by Night. Unlike the first three phases, Marvel Studios seems eager to explore a wider range of angles in its cinematic universe, potentially opening doors to various ideas in the future.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 may therefore serve as a pivotal piece without delving deeply into the cosmic elements. Instead, the introduction of High Evolutionary could pave the way for the MCU to venture into Phases 7, 8, and 9 with new concepts, particularly concerning the conflict of evolution.
Evolutionary War is one of the most monumental events in Marvel’s comic history
The Evolutionary War is one of the largest crossover events in Marvel, featuring the involvement of many prominent superheroes like the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four. This story begins with High Evolutionary’s revenge after a previous conflict. He aims to create a new stage of evolution for humanity, helping humans to become the most powerful beings in the universe, surpassing even the Beyonders. This also includes the beings that High Evolutionary has experimented on and kept in a laboratory to study the limits of human evolution.
During the Evolutionary War, High Evolutionary sends his army to Earth to rapidly accelerate humanity’s evolution. His sinister plan has garnered the attention of nearly all superheroes in the galaxy, leading to a global conflict.
This conflict escalates as High Evolutionary secretly aims to create a bomb capable of altering the genetic structure of all living beings, allowing them to thrive on Earth under a single dominant species. However, his plan is thwarted by Hercules, a powerful character from the Avengers, who was also introduced into the MCU through the post-credit scene of Thor: Love and Thunder.
How will Marvel Studios incorporate the Evolutionary War into the MCU?
Considering the scale and grandeur of the Evolutionary War, it can potentially serve as the next major event in the MCU after the new phase closes. After Phase 6 concludes, Marvel Studios will have many different superheroes at its disposal, including the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and possibly even the X-Men, Young Avengers, Midnight Sons, or West Coast Avengers. Characters related to High Evolutionary and Hercules have already made appearances in the MCU.
Moreover, Phase 4 of the MCU has sown many seeds in various projects that could contribute to this conflict. For instance, in the original concept, there was a time when High Evolutionary sought help from the Eternals – a group that has had very little connection to the Marvel universe so far. Additionally, during the attack on Earth, High Evolutionary has aimed for the city of New York, catching the attention of Spider-Man and Daredevil, two superheroes who are likely to have strong ties with the MCU for a long time.
The main battlefield of the Evolutionary War is Savage Land, a prehistoric area that briefly appeared in the blockbuster Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, when Stephen Strange accidentally traveled through various different dimensions. In addition, Man-Thing, a character appearing in Werewolf by Night, is also related to this event, as High Evolutionary seeks to prevent external forces from disrupting the genetic evolution of humanity through the Nexus of All Realities – the point of intersection for all realities.
Furthermore, in more recent storylines, the Evolutionary War often relates to the vibranium-rich lands of Wakanda – a nation currently playing a very important role in the MCU. This precious metal is likely a key element in High Evolutionary’s plans to create a genetic bomb, as previously mentioned.
In summary, it can be said that every essential piece is currently being assembled to create the canvas for the Evolutionary War in the future.
The sinister plan of High Evolutionary will be revealed in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will take the Guardians to Counter-Earth, a planet created by High Evolutionary to conduct experiments on “New Man” – a project that combines human genetics with those of various other species. In the comics, the Beyonders once targeted Counter-Earth to showcase in their laboratory, further pushing High Evolutionary’s ambition to create a new stage of evolution. Additionally, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will also delve into Rocket’s origins – one of the past experiments of this villain.
High Evolutionary may not be the main antagonist of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. That role is reserved for Adam Warlock, who is often emotionally unstable and will serve as the guardian of Counter-Earth. According to the trailer for this blockbuster, the Guardians will face particularly challenging moments when confronting Warlock, one of the most powerful beings in the universe, before realizing that High Evolutionary is the mastermind behind everything.
If this angle is explored, Marvel Studios will achieve two major objectives: First, introducing Adam Warlock on the big screen to pave the way for the cosmic war in Avengers: Secret Wars. Secondly, it will clarify High Evolutionary’s sinister intentions regarding humanity’s genetic evolution, opening the door for the Evolutionary War in the subsequent phases of the MCU.
Source: Marvel, ScreenRant
