Nebula (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Nebula
Marvel Cinematic Universe character
Karen Gillan as Nebula in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
First appearanceGuardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Based on
Nebula
by
Adapted by
Portrayed byKaren Gillan
In-universe information
Full nameNebula
NicknameBlue Meanie[1]
Nebby (What If...?)
SpeciesLuphomoid
GenderFemale
TitleSuper Nova (What If...? Season 2)
Occupation
Affiliation
WeaponElectroshock batons[3]
Family
Significant otherStar-Lord T'Challa (What If...? Season 1)
HomeKnowhere

Nebula is a fictional character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise, portrayed by Karen Gillan, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. She is depicted as a blue-skinned alien warrior who is both the adoptive daughter of Thanos, who killed her blood family before raising her, and the adoptive sister of Gamora, with whom she grew to share a bitter rivalry. Although she is first introduced as the secondary antagonist of Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), subsequent films see her develop into an antihero and eventually a protagonist, who joins her sister as part of the Guardians of the Galaxy and becomes a member of the Avengers and then officially of the Guardians of the Galaxy.[2] Aspects of this interpretation were later integrated into the comics version of the character.

The character was met with positive reception, specifically for Gillan's performance and redemptive story arc; she has been noted for her differences from the comics, in which Nebula is almost exclusively depicted as a villain.[4][5]

As of 2023, Nebula has appeared in six films and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022), with alternate variants of the characters from alternate timelines also appeared in the film Avengers: Endgame (2019) and the animated series What If...? (2021–present), in particular one who becomes Super Nova in the second season.

  1. ^ Roeper, Richard (April 30, 2019). "'Avengers: Endgame': 22 little moments that added up to greatness". chicago.suntimes.com. Chicago Suntimes. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Newby, Richard (April 29, 2019). "'Avengers: Endgame' Gave Nebula One of Marvel's Most Human Arcs". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on June 7, 2021. Retrieved June 7, 2021.
  3. ^ "Nebula On Screen Full Report". marvel.com. Marvel Entertainment. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  4. ^ Lavradio, Salvador (January 29, 2019). "How Nebula Differs Between The Comics And The MCU". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
  5. ^ Surrey, Miles (April 26, 2019). "Alien Redemption: The Fascinating Arc of Nebula in the MCU". The Ringer. Retrieved May 2, 2021.