Marvel Studios Director of Visual Development Andy Park has revealed some early concept art of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3‘s villain the High Evolutionary.
Park tweeted out an image of the High Evolutionary concept art, noting that it was one of his first passes at the character “many years ago during preproduction,” and that “much fun was had in these explorations.” This version is closer to the comic version of the character than the final design, sporting the primarily red costume and the head fin that the comic villain has.
Check out the High Evolutionary concept art below:
Who is the High Evolutionary?
In the comics, the High Evolutionary is originally from Earth. Herbert Wyndham was inspired by the work of the genetic biologist Nathaniel Essex — better known as the X-Men villain Mister Sinister. The High Evolutionary’s intelligence in the comics is not to be understated, as, despite being a human, he is considered to be as advanced as some cosmic entities.
“In the film, our beloved band of misfits are looking a bit different these days,” reads the Marvel Cinematic Universe sequel’s synopsis. “Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.”
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was directed by James Gunn and was released in theaters on May 5. The sequel heavily features the backstory of Rocket — the armed and snarky raccoon voiced by Bradley Cooper — and his history with the film’s villain, The High Evolutionary (played by Chukwudi Iwuji). Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is now playing in theaters.
