Recently James Gunn tweeted an update on the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday during filming for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, announcing that several new characters would be introduced in this special. No more information is known than that, yet it can be assumed that some will return in the future – perhaps in the subsequent third film, or in one of their own.
There is no shortage of possibilities to speculate on ahead of the final reveal. Nevertheless, here are ten candidates, whether they’re likely for their connection to established characters and recent news out of Marvel.
Adam Warlock
One of the many post-credit scenes in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 paved the way for an important cosmic character to join the MCU: Adam Warlock. In the comics, he is integral to the infinity saga and linked with the soul gem, so some expected him to show up in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Obviously, that did not come to fruition, but he will be part of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, played by Will Poulter.
Therefore, it would not be surprising for him to also show up in the Holiday Special – though he would then likely take on a central role in it, and that doesn’t seem to fit the idea of the special. Nevertheless, perhaps it will introduce Poulter as Warlock in some small way, like a post-credits stinger, to tease his integral role in the subsequent film.
Nova
Among the most-awaited and iconic characters yet to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe is Richard Rider aka Nova, but fans can expect to see him soon. It was announced in March that a Disney+ series centered on Nova is in the works with Moon Knight writer Sabir Pirzada penning the script. Following the decimation of Xandar by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, many eager fans were expecting to see Richard Rider join the fray in Avengers: Endgame.
Perhaps the Holiday Special will introduce Nova in a fashion, finally revealing who’s been selected to play the important figure. Or they might take the Moon Knight approach by creating a tv show with a completely new character. Regardless of when or how he is incorporated into the MCU, it is practically guaranteed Richard Rider will be an incredibly important figure in the cosmic story of Phase Four and beyond.
Cosmo The Spacedog
Now, Cosmo the Spacedog is already part of the MCU, but he deserves his chance to shine beyond a small cameo. He was seen briefly in The Collector’s collection on Knowhere in Guardians of the Galaxy and popped up again in What If?…, yet that is the extent of his involvement in the MCU. Fans need to know what happened to Cosmo and the other inhabitants of Knowhere following Thanos’ attack in search of the Reality Stone in Avengers: Infinity War.
Since his arrival in the comics, he has become an integral ally and eventually team member of the Guardians of the Galaxy. As such, the MCU should reflect his prominence with a larger role in future related projects, including the Holiday Special. He shares this trait with fellow fan-favorite and talking animal, Howard the Duck.
Moondragon
Although her first appearance in the comics connected her to Earthbound heroes like Daredevil and the Avengers, Heather Douglas aka Moondragon’s story lies primarily in the cosmos. She is intrinsically linked with Drax the Destroyer, as it is revealed that he is actually her father, Aruther Douglas, reborn. She eventually comes to join the likes of Mantis and Jack Flag as a new member of the Guardians of the Galaxy.
While Drax’s origins are altered in the MCU, perhaps Moondragon’s could be adapted to accommodate those changes – perhaps with his daughter being resurrected as Moondragon. While her physical acumen and niche abilities are comparable to Gamora’s, Moondragon would still make a valuable member of the team, so her inclusion in the Holiday Special could be likely.
Phyla-Vell
When Marvel decided to revitalize the Guardians of the Galaxy they united several unrelated characters to form the now iconic team, yet one has still not appeared in the MCU. Phyla-Vell is the daughter of Mar-vell – played by Annette Benning in Captain Marvel – and has gone by numerous names, including Quasar, Captain Marvel, and Martyr. She seems like one of the most logical choices to be introduced, either in the Holiday Special or the third film.
She played an important role in the battles against Annihilus and Magus, Adam Warlock’s evil counterpart, who could be part of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Phyla even took over for Wendell Vaughn in donning the Quantum Bands and became the avatar for the cosmic being, Oblivion. As such, there are many options for stories to adapt, making her a great fit for a new introduction.
Angela
Following Avengers: Endgame, Thor is with the Guardians and all are set to play important roles in the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder. This film will likely have massive implications for the rest of Phase Four and especially the Holiday Special. There is even a chance that Thor or Valkyrie could return for the special – just as much chance that it could also introduce another related character, Angela.
She is an acquisition by Marvel – after years in “Spawn” comics – and was established as Thor’s lost sister. Upon her integration, she quickly joins the Guardians and eventually establishes the Asgardians of the Galaxy with Valkyrie. As Thor: Love and Thunder could adapt aspect of this story, Angela joining the MCU seems more and more possible, and the Holiday Special might be just the place to do so.
Darkhawk
Now that the Kree and Skrulls are important parts of the MCU’s cosmic sphere, the next logical step is to introduce the Shi’ar Empire. They are incredibly expansionary and militaristic, spreading their influence across the galaxy like an invasive species. While there are plenty of iconic characters across the Shi’ar Empire – such as Deathbird and Gladiator – one character that could link them to the Guardians is Christopher Powell aka Darkhawk.
He was gifted power through the Shi’ar created Raptor Amulet, and though he never becomes a member of the Guardians, his moral ambiguity at times would make him a welcome member. Were the MCU to venture into these stories, Darkhawk’s involvement would make sense.
Lylla
With rumors and theories abound over casting decisions and the plot for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, many eager fans are expecting it to venture to Halfworld to explore Rocket’s origins. As such, this could entail introducing his associate and love interest, Lylla. She is an otter and runs a toyshop on Halfworld.
The door is open for her to fully show up in the MCU as her presence was already teased way back in Guardians of the Galaxy. During the sequence in which each member is processed before being shipped off to the Kiln, her name pops up on Rocket’s record as an associate. While this could just be a simple easter egg, it would be exciting to witness more of Rocket’s origins in the Holiday Special – and since the special will likely focus on the idea of family, she would make a good fit.
Blackjack O’Hare
There is no shortage of enemies and adversaries to the Guardians and the Holiday Special will likely introduce an important one. However, the villain will likely not be one of the more iconic figures – like Annihilus or the High Evolutionary, who some believe will be played by Chukwudi Iwuji in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. As such, the special will likely utilize someone less impactful, but still applicable and entertaining, like Blackjack O’Hare.
He is specifically a rival mercenary to Rocket Racoon and a fellow victim of Halfworld experimentation and modification. While he doesn’t scream holiday, he would still certainly be a good fit as an antagonist for this smaller-scale feature. Perhaps there is some mark on the Guardians and he has come to collect on it
Santa Claus
One of the most likely candidates to show up in the Holiday Special might come as a bit of a surprise to non-comic book Marvel fans, Santa Claus. In the comics, he is not only the legendary figure of myth but also the most powerful mutant ever. Since that reveal he has gone on to work with other iconic characters as Howard the Duck, Spider-Man, and Captain Marvel – and most recently against Deadpool.
He hasn’t crossed paths with the Guardians of the Galaxy, yet his inclusion makes complete sense. Since mutants haven’t been formally adopted into the MCU yet, his origins would need to be altered, likely to more of a cosmic figure. It’s been done before, so it can be done again.
