Thanks to Drax (Dave Bautista), the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji) is not dead although Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’s climax indicates the big bad may have bit the dust on his exploding spaceship. In fact, director James Gunn has confirmed there is a deleted scene addressing the villain’s rescue and though it failed to make it to the theatrical cut, it will soon be released as extras.

While Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 wrapped up with a ‘Happily ever after’ note – the question of High Evolutionary’s fate has popped up quite a lot. Moreover, Chukwudi Iwuji‘s portrayal of the role has not only made this MCU villain the most dislikable character but also fans’ favorite – even topping Kang. So the news of High Evolutionary surviving the explosion has fans hopeful.

The big revelation first came from a GOTG Vol. 3′ VFX artist who revealed that Drax carries the High Evolutionary on to Knowhere when the Guardians are rescuing all the creatures from the ship. Gunn responded to the spoiler to highlight the villain’s survival was essential to Rocket’s arc where he goes from “being the least empathetic to the most empathetic Guardian”. Moreover, “It seems silly & hollow that he’d refuse to kill him & then leave him on an exploding ship.”

When to expect High Evolutionary’s deleted scene

The Guardians of the Galaxy 3 filmmaker also assured the alternate scene will be released “in the extras”. Considering Ant-Man 3’s digital release arrived two months after its premiere on April 18, its likely GOTG Vol. 3 Digital HD and Blu-ray would be available in July. Still, Marvel Studios could also release the scene online to promote the physical media.

In a follow-up tweet, James stated the High Evolutionary is imprisoned on Knowhere. The good news has opened the possibility for the villain’s return in MCU’s future. Readers can check it out below.

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Yes! It’s the whole culmination of Rocket’s journey. His shift comes in that he doesn’t kill him – he goes from being the least empathetic to the most empathetic Guardian. It seems silly & hollow that he’d refuse to kill him & then leave him on an…

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) May 19, 2023

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Imprisoned on Knowhere.

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) May 19, 2023

Meanwhile, even with Fast X’s release – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is unwavering at the box office with an estimated $660 million in earnings worldwide, as of this writing. It has catapulted fans’ desire to rewatch the blockbuster in hopes of helping it reach $1 billion.

Iwuji has been open about his intention to revisit the role – stating there was a line that didn’t make it to the final cut which highlighted the villain’s fascination in Groot. Moreover, the Peacemaker actor also believes “the idea of a super soldier” and other strength-related advancements by humanity “would’ve completely fascinated me,” he said speaking to Comicbook. Perhaps, his imprisonment comes with a catch? let’s hope so.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is currently in theaters.