Actor Chukwudi Iwuji has further teased his hugely mysterious yet reportedly crucial role in the upcoming MCU outing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter about joining the Marvel franchise, Iwuji continued to play things coy in regard to his character's identity, but has offered some clues, including that they are "Extremely powerful."

"Powerful. (Laughs.) Extremely powerful. Complex. James and I were talking about it, but he's certainly one of, if not the most complex characters we've seen in the freaking Marvel universe. So he's deeply complex and deeply powerful, and I hope intriguing. I hope I bring that to it. (Laughs.)"

There has been much speculation surrounding which character director James Gunn has chosen for Chukwudi Iwuji to portray. Many have suggested the likes of The Silver Surfer, Beta Ray Bill, and The High Evolutionary, all of whom would tick the boxes labeled powerful and complex. The smart money would be best put down on the latter, with The High Evolutionary slotting into the world of the Guardians of the Galaxy with ease.

Created by Marvel Comics legends Stan Lee and Jack Kirby way back in 1966, The High Evolutionary has evolved his intelligence to the upper limit of human potential, matching even that of cosmic entities, and has ties with Guardians of the Galaxy member Rocket Raccoon. Considering that James Gunn has stated that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will center on Rocket’s past, the addition of The High Evolutionary is gradually becoming more and more likely.

Chukwudi Iwuji Was Left Speechless by James Gunn’s Invitation to Join Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Chukwudi-Iwuji-Peacemaker
Warner Bros. Television

Though we still do not know who he will be playing in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Iwuji has revealed how he felt when being asked by director James Gunn to join the franchise in such an important role. “He said, “No, actually, I want you to be [Iwuji omits character] in Guardians of the Galaxy 3,” which I can’t say, sadly, because I can’t say the character,” the actor said. “So that’s how it happened. I literally went from dancing on the soundstage to James saying, “Come over here, I want you to be in Guardians of the Galaxy 3.” He actually started by saying, “I don’t know what your schedule is, but I would love for you to be in Guardians of the Galaxy 3.” And I remember it was one of the few genuine times of my life where I was speechless.”

Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Sean Gunn, Sylvester Stallone, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will feature another extremely powerful, complex new character aside from Chukwudi Iwuji’s character, with Will Poulter due to join the ensemble as Adam Warlock.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is scheduled to be released in the United States on May 5, 2023, as part of Phase Four of the MCU. Chukwudi Iwuji can currently be seen on HBO Max in the DC series, Peacemaker, alongside John Cena.