Over the years, the MCU has provided its fans with a rich tapestry of intergalactic adventures and showdowns between the good, the evil, and the grey, and one particularly fascinating cog in the machine has been Karen Gillan’s Nebula.

Among one of the most memorable characters in the superhero film franchise, the former cybernetic assassin’s journey, even after her redemption in the past few movies, culminates into an experience of genuine happiness at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. 
Karen Gillan played Nebula in the MCU. Credit: Marvel Studios
In a recent interview, reflecting on this satisfying arc and the transformation in the character’s temperament, the actress who brought the portrayal to life made a statement symbolic of the path Nebula takes throughout her many appearances in the superhero series.

Affirming the purpose the killing machine-turned-hero has ultimately found for herself, Gillan’s remarks show the tragedy of the character’s past and what she was previously deprived of—love. And that love is now something of hers to give.

MCU Star Karen Gillan Reflects On Nebula’s Heartfelt Character Arc

Karen Gillan. Credit: WIRED/YouTube
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, 36-year-old Scottish actress Karen Gillan summarized her thoughts on the conclusion of the Guardians trilogy and the parental role her character assumes at the end of the third James Gunn-helmed movie. She said:

“Nebula has got a real sense of purpose now. And it’s such a major part of healing. She’s been through so much, and now she can finally accept love and show love towards other people. So the last stage of all that healing is helping other people, and that’s exactly what she’s doing.”

Throughout Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, we saw flashes of Nebula’s anger, often translated into getting impatient and frustrated by the flaws of her found family, who are by no means perfect individuals.

However, as Mantis helped point out, this came from her own insecurity and a lack of self-acceptance. Despite that, she holds the ability to care immensely, as evidenced by her breaking down after learning of Rocket’s revival. But it’s not just Rocket who gives her the strength to feel these emotions and move a step forward in her journey of betterment.
Karen Gillan as Nebula in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023). Credit Marvel Studios
Drax, Mantis, Quill—we see her often lash out at these characters, but we also see how they make her a better person and bring out the best in her. As soon as the mirror is held to the remnants of her past rage and trauma, she learns to love and appreciate her teammates, seeing them for more than their ‘flaws.’ And as an extension, she slowly does the same for herself.

Gillan’s statement on the ending, which sees Nebula staying on Knowhere with Drax to help raise the rescued children, sheds light on these changes. The former killing machine puppeteered by Thanos lets go of her shackles and learns to finally, and unapologetically, love—the one thing she needed desperately in the past and was deprived of.

Karen Gillan’s Remarks Serve As A Callback To Nebula’s Heart-wrenching Past

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
When audiences first witnessed Nebula on-screen, she was cold, ruthless, and sadistic—all traits that spell a riveting villain. But then, we notice the cracks in her disposition. There’s a reason for her being, as explored in the unfolding dynamic she shared with Thanos as his adopted daughter and Gamora as her adopted sister.

As Gillan correctly pointed out, the erstwhile Luphomoid assassin has only now realized her purpose. At first, she was nothing but a pawn in Thanos’ grand set-up.

The genocidal warlord would make Nebula feel inadequate by constantly favoring Gamora. He would go to the hellish extent of tormenting her for her failings. He turned her into sentient machinery by mutilating her body and replacing parts of her with cybernetic enhancements. He rendered her sense of self to a null.

But with her newfound sense of purpose, she can allow the rescued children, who were subjects under the High Evolutionary, a much better fate. She can offer them what she once yearned for.

And beyond this, Nebula can “finally accept and show love,” an element that ties into her relationship with Gamora. Here, the lines that reverberate are the ones she tells the latter in Vol. 2, “You wanted to win, I just wanted a sister!” 

At the end of GOTG Vol. 3, we see Nebula come into her own, freed from the trauma that held her back from experiencing unconditional happiness. She can now extend her kindness and help those who would’ve otherwise suffered the same cruelty she did. With this, she honors herself and the ‘family’ who allowed her to do so.

All the Guardians of the Galaxy films are available for streaming on Disney+.