TheGuardians of the Galaxytrilogy has been one of theMCU’s most unique and beloved offerings, but movies did squander several classic characters. Blending quirky humor, emotional depth, and cosmic spectacle, James Gunn managed to turn a group of relatively obscure comic book characters into household names. However, not every character received the treatment they deserved. Across all three films, several intriguing and potentially important characters were either relegated to the background, mishandled, or outright wasted.
Marvel Comics boasts a vast universe filled with complex characters and intricate storylines. Translating these tothe MCU timeline ofteninvolves adaptation choices, including condensing story arcs and redefining roles. While theGuardians of the Galaxyfilmshave delivered some incredible character moments, they’ve also missed opportunities to elevate certain individuals. Some of these characters have rich comic book histories, while others were portrayed by renowned actors who weren’t given the material to shine – though some of these could be rectified inthe MCU’s future.
10Ego Should Have Been A Much Cooler Villain
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2
InGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Ego the Living Planet, played by Kurt Russell, had all the ingredients of a phenomenal villain. In the comics, Ego is a cosmic entity with unfathomable power,embodying the grandeur and strangeness of Marvel’s cosmic tales. His potential to explore deep philosophical questions about creation, existence, and godhood was immense. However, the film reduced Ego to a rather predictable villainous archetype.
Ego’s motivations – spreading his essence across the universe – felt clichéd andlacked the nuance needed for a character of such scale. Kurt Russell’s charm and charisma were evident, but the script didn’t allow him to fully explore the complexities of Ego. Instead of being a multi-dimensional antagonist, he became a generic megalomaniac, undercutting what could have been one of the MCU’s most compelling villains. Ego’s wasted potential remains one of the trilogy’s biggest disappointments.
9Stakar Ogord Squandered Sylvester Stallone
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 & Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3
Sylvester Stallone’s inclusion as Stakar Ogord, also known as Starhawk, inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2wasan exciting nod to the original Guardians from the comics. As one of the leaders of the Ravagers, Stakar had the potential to become a key figure in the film, especially considering his rich comic book history as a founding member of the Guardians. Unfortunately, Stallone’s role was disappointingly brief. His short appearance established some Ravager lore and hinted at his team’s potential, but it largely went nowhere.
It seemed like he was being set up for a larger role in the future, but his appearance inGOTG Vol. 3was even shorter, Stallone’s star power and gravitas were underused, and the character’s significance to the broader narrative was minimal. Audiences were left wonderingwhy an actor of his caliber was brought in only to be sidelined. With more screen time, Stakar could have added depth to the Ravagers and enriched the trilogy’s cosmic world-building.
8Glenn Close’s Nova Prime Wasted Her Potential
Guardians Of The Galaxy
InGuardians of the Galaxy, Glenn Close portrayed Irani Rael, the Nova Prime of Xandar. As the leader of the Nova Corps, Rael should have been a prominent figure, given her position and the Corps’ importance in Marvel Comics. The Nova Corps is a cornerstone of Marvel’s cosmic universe, and Irani Rael had thepotential to be a powerful and commanding presence.
However, despiteGlenn Close’s immense talent, her character was reduced to a supporting role with little depth. Rael’s main purpose was to provide exposition and react to the threat of Ronan. Her potential as a leader or as a character with her own agency was never fully realized. Considering the actress’s pedigree, this was a significant missed opportunity. Though Nova Prime did return inWhat if…?, Close sadly did not voice the multiversal variant.
7High Priestess Ayesha Was Reduced To A Plot Device
High Priestess Ayesha, played by Elizabeth Debicki, was introduced inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2as the leader of the Sovereign. In the comics, Ayesha (also known as Her or Kismet) is a genetically engineered being with immense power and deep ties to Adam Warlock, a key figure in Marvel’s cosmic stories. While Debickidelivered an imposing and regal performance, Ayesha was ultimately relegated to a secondary role.
ByGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Ayeshaserved primarily as a plot device to set the Sovereign against the Guardians and introduce Adam Warlock. This simplification robbed Ayesha of her comic book complexity and potential as a powerful, morally ambiguous force in the MCU. Instead of developing her further, the film treated her as little more than a catalyst for conflict, squandering Debicki’s talent and the character’s rich narrative possibilities.
6John C. Reilly’s Rhomann Dey Should Have Returned
John C. Reilly’s Rhomann Dey appeared in the firstGuardians of the Galaxyas a Nova Corps officer who played a key role in arresting and later assisting the Guardians. In the comics, Rhomann Dey is a pivotal character, as he isthe one who transfers the Nova Force to Richard Rider, transforming him into the superhero Nova. Reilly’s warm and humorous performance made Dey a memorable character, but his absence in the sequels was glaring.
How Powerful The MCU’s Thanos Is Compared To The Comics
Thanos was the most iconic villain the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s history, but his powers are notably different from his comic book counterpart.
Given the destruction of Xandar by Thanos (mentioned offscreen inAvengers: Infinity War), Dey’s return could have added emotional weight andprovided a bridge to introduce Nova. Instead, his potential story arc was abandoned. The omission of Dey from subsequent films felt like a missed chance to further explore the Nova Corps’ significance and set the stage for one of Marvel’s most iconic cosmic heroes.
5Ronan The Accuser Became A Generic Villain
Lee Pace’s Ronan the Accuser was the main antagonist inGuardians of the Galaxy. In the comics, Ronan is a complex character with a rich backstory, often portrayed as ananti-hero torn between his loyalty to the Kree Empire and his personal sense of justice. His conflicts with the Guardians and other cosmic heroes are nuanced and layered. The film, however, reduced Ronan to a one-dimensional villain.
Ronan the Accuser’s motivations – a generic thirst for power and destruction under Thanos’s guidance – lacked depth, and his characterization failed to capture the moral ambiguity that makes him so intriguing in the comics. Despite Lee Pace’s commanding performance, Ronan’spotential as a formidable and multi-faceted adversary was wasted. With a stronger script and more focus on his internal struggles, Ronan could have been a much more compelling and memorable villain in the MCU’s cosmic narrative.
4Korath The Pursuer Was Wasted As A Henchperson
Djimon Hounsou’s Korath the Pursuer appeared inGuardians of the Galaxyas one of Ronan’s henchmen. In the comics, Korath is a skilled Kree cyber-geneticist who becomes a super-powered warrior. His ties to the Kree Empire and his scientific expertise make him a compelling character with significant narrative potential. In the film, Korath wasreduced to a minor antagonist with little to no backstory or development.
What’s Next After Vol 3? Everything We Know About Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 4
Is Guardians of the Galaxy 4 happening? Here is every update and piece of news about the possible MCU movie, including what the story could be.
Djimon Hounsou, a two-time Academy Award nominee, wasvastly underutilized in the role, which lacked the complexity and presence his talents deserved. Korath’s reappearance inCaptain Marveladded some context to his character, but it still fell short of his comic book potential. With a more substantial role, Korath could have added to the MCU’s Kree storyline and become a more memorable figure in theGuardiansseries and beyond.
3Aleta Ogord Was An Early Guardian Of The Galaxy
Michelle Yeoh’s Aleta Ogord made a brief appearance inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2as part of Stakar Ogord’s Ravager team. In the comics, Aleta is a member of the original Guardians of the Galaxy from the 31st century. She isa powerful and complex characterwith light-manipulating abilities and a complicated relationship with her adoptive brother Stakar.
Despite her significance in the source material, Aleta’s role in the film was little more than a cameo. Michelle Yeoh’s immense talent and charisma were barely utilised, and the character’s potential to expand the Guardians’ mythos was overlooked. This was a missed opportunity to introduce a legendary character to a wider audience. Aleta’s inclusioncould have connected the movies more strongly to the rich legacy of the Guardians in Marvel Comics, but instead squandered the character and Yeoh’s talent.
2The Collector Should Have Been More Involved
Benicio Del Toro’s portrayal of Taneleer Tivan, the Collector, inGuardians of the Galaxywas one of the film’s highlights. As an Elder of the Universe, the Collector is a fascinating character with vast knowledge and connections across the cosmic Marvel universe. His eccentric personality and obsession with rare artifactsmake him a unique presence in the comics.
While Del Toro’s performance was memorable, the Collector’s role in the trilogy, and indeed the whole MCU, was disappointingly limited. After his brief appearance in the first film, hewas relegated to a minor cameo inAvengers: Infinity War. Considering his significance in the comics and Del Toro’s acting prowess, the character deserved a more substantial role in the MCU. With more screen time, the Collector could have been an intriguing figure, offering insights into Marvel’s cosmic universe.
1Adam Warlock Was Mostly Pointless
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3
Adam Warlock, played by Will Poulter, was one of the most anticipated characters inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. In the comics, Warlock is a central figure in Marvel’s cosmic stories,playing a pivotal role in the Infinity Gauntlet sagaand serving as a guardian of cosmic balance. His deep connections to the Soul Gem and the Sovereign made his introduction highly anticipated.
However, the MCU’s portrayal of Adam Warlock was underwhelming. Instead of being the wise and powerful figure many expected, he was depicted as anaïve and immature character still coming into his own. While Poulter delivered a solid performance, the script didn’t allow Warlock to reach his full potential. His role felt more like a comedic side note than the grand cosmic force he is in the comics. Warlock’s introduction deserved greater significance and a more compelling narrative arc in theGuardians of the Galaxytrilogy.
Guardians of the Galaxy
Cast
Guardians of the Galaxy is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring Chris Pratt as Peter Quill. Abducted from Earth as a child, Quill navigates intergalactic adventures, becoming entwined in a conflict centered on a powerful orb coveted by Ronan the Accuser.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the adventures of Peter Quill and his eclectic crew as they navigate complex family dynamics and revelations about Quill’s mysterious heritage. Set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the film explores themes of family and identity against a backdrop of intergalactic adventure.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 follows Peter Quill as he grapples with the loss of Gamora while rallying his team to defend the universe. The Guardians face a crucial mission to protect one of their own, with stakes that could alter the fate of the group forever.
