The Nebula arc

I don’t think her arc gets talked about enough. We’ve all appreciated Loki’s arc… we should also respect Nebula’s story arc also. For her, the anti hero arc fit so well within the entire MCU 10 year Infinity story. What are your thoughts on Nebula’s character development during that period?

Commentaires

Jet-Let46062025-12-27 19:02

Unexpected but welcome.

SeekerVash2025-12-27 19:15

I think it's overblown, it's a very trope-y arc with nothing new to it.

* "I hate my sister because she's daddy's favorite!"
* "I'm going to hurt (kill) my sister!"
* "Oh! My sister said something nice to me and acknowledged me! I love my sister!"
* "I'm going to hurt (kill) my father now to help my sister!"

Her whole arc is probably one of the weakest in the MCU and has been done 10,000 times before elsewhere.

Nexxlegacy2025-12-27 19:19

Could we say the same for Loki tho? What makes him better or more enjoyable than Nebula? It was unexpected but nice to see… she had a complex story in the comics and finessed her way as an Avenger… but the MCU gave her a nice twist to her character tho…to see her go from pure evil to actually grow to love the Guardians was nice to see

RadSkeleton8082025-12-27 19:50

I think that's rather dismissive of themes of abuse around her.

Her envy issue of her sister stems from the fact that whenever her sister bested her their father literally tortured her. Forcibly and likely painfully replacing portions of her body with cybernetics. So yeah she's going to have issue with her sister.

Gamora didn't just say something nice and acknowledge her: she acknowledged Nebula's abuse. Probably the first time in her life someone said to her essentially, "hey that was wrong and you didn't deserve that." Which to an abuse victim of that level is crazy meaningful. And it's also the first time she finds comradery with a fellow abuse victim (of the same abuser).

The other half of her arc is rather she learns she is worthy of love; both from her found family in the Guardians, and in herself finally finding some purpose in GoTG3.

SeekerVash2025-12-27 20:21

The problem here is that very little of what you just expressed actually happened in the movies.

>Probably the first time in her life someone said to her essentially, "hey that was wrong and you didn't deserve that."

>And it's also the first time she finds comradery with a fellow abuse victim (of the same abuser)

>The other half of her arc is rather she learns she is worthy of love; both from her found family in the Guardians, and in herself finally finding some purpose in GoTG3

None of those things actually have on-screen evidence, you're filling in her huge lack of background with things that make the character great for you.

For all we know, every Chitauri soldier she walked past stopped her and said "Hey, that was wrong and you didn't deserve that".

For all we know, there was a room with 100 other daughters of Thanos that went through the same thing Nebula did that she was comradely with.

That's the problem with Nebula, a lot of people on this subreddit have created a bunch of fanfic and headcanon around her that doesn't actually appear anywhere in the media.

RadSkeleton8082025-12-27 20:54

Mate it's called subtext. It's presented in the acting. Not everything needs to be spelled out to a T. Sure those scenarios you came up with could very well be true but it's not the direction the story is taking us. You gotta pick up on these things.

SeekerVash2025-12-28 01:31

Mate, it's called fanfiction.

You made something up in your head and now you're arguing that your head Canon is true.

RadSkeleton8082025-12-28 01:36

I mean, believe what you want. Not that Reddit is a flawless measure of accuracy but the general consensus of those viewing this thread seems to be you're a bit media illiterate.

Edit: or autistic? Like I'm not trying to use that as a catch-all insult just being unable to recognize/process subtext and needing things spelled out for you to the extent you do here is kinda hand in hand with it.

spidervenom6192025-12-29 03:54

It's Seekervash, if it doesn't happen on screen then it doesn't count for him except for when it's involve Sam in which he makes up stuff to hate on him and ignore facts like Sam and Steve was working together Post Civil War.

Azzy80072025-12-27 19:51

You'd be hard pressed to find any character arc that hasn't already been done to death.

SeekerVash2025-12-27 20:16

Yes, but this was a "paint by numbers" character, they didn't even try to make her interesting. She's the very epitome of "basic".

TrueLegateDamar2025-12-27 19:40

It was great, you'd never think Henchwoman #2 would end up becoming an Avenger and save the universe.

Nexxlegacy2025-12-27 19:40

Right

kriswone2025-12-27 20:32

***"Thanks, Dad."***

mistermeesh2025-12-27 21:31

Nebula and Rocket were Avengers longer than Iron Man when you factor in the time skip and the Tony going into retirement to raise a family.

the-tominatrix2025-12-27 21:38

I’m really not sure that adds up.

CaptHayfever2025-12-27 21:39

Not quite. Iron Man was an Avenger from 2012-2018 (since he signed the Sokovia Accords, he was still officially allowed to operate post-Civil-War), Nebula & Rocket from 2018-2023.

ModernBass2025-12-28 03:53

Its weird though, in SM Homecoming, he offered Peter to join the Avengers, but in infinity war he says they're broken up and done.

So at some point, even if heroes were being used by the government, the Avengers did officially disban.

ModernBass2025-12-28 03:53

Also, the end of Ultron made it seem like at the time Iron Man went on an extended break from the team until Civil War.

BaronZhiro2025-12-28 07:54

Right, corresponding to the passing of the guard way back in Avengers #16.

SalukiKnightX2025-12-27 21:48

I’ll give you that they were Avengers longer than Ant-Man (which sounds insane given he and the Wasp were founding members)

NamelessOne30062025-12-28 02:30

Insane how? We're talking about the MCU, not the comic.

Jenkes_of_Wolverton2025-12-28 10:59

Even in the MCU we saw Nick Fury putting together his Avengers Initiative right after first meeting Carol Danvers, long before Iron Man was on the scene. And we've seen how Hank Pym lost his wife on a mission. Steve Rogers might have once or twice mentioned that he knew Tony's dad.

Regalrefuse2025-12-27 21:55

I know it wouldn’t have been practical but I really wish we got more stuff from during the blip

captainkezz1232025-12-28 23:21

Rocket was also an Avenger for longer than he was a Guardian (up to the point of Endgame). He was a guardian from 2014-2018 and an Avenger from 2018-2023

ICInside2025-12-29 05:54

Yeah, but hot. The hotter they are, more chances of redemption. The ugly ones only get the pity redemption arcs.

dratsablive2025-12-27 19:53

Karen Gillan FTW!

SteelfireX2025-12-28 01:24

Honestly wasn't a fan of her since all I knew her in was Doctor Who, and I hated her character in that. But I LOVED Nebula as soon as she was introduced, and her entire arc was fantastic. Imagine how surprised I was to learn it was Karen Gillan in the credits!! I became a huge fan.

the_paradox02025-12-28 05:11

Because of how she tried to kiss the Doctor while being married?
Honestly, almost all of the Doctor's companions were written poorly.
I just wanted a platonic relationship where both support each other.
I liked the Amy and Rory duo (keeping aside the ntr stuff), perhaps second only to Captain Jack Harkness lol. I loved his character. Also, Old Will 💔.
Though, tbf, I have stopped watching it for a long time so I might be missing some things.

cardiffman1002025-12-28 11:35

Nardole is hands down the best companion in nu-Who

the_paradox02025-12-28 14:01

Oh yes, how could I forget him.
He was really nice.
Clara was too but her arc got butchered during 12th time

Barthez_Battalion2025-12-27 19:57

I would have loved her in Armour Wars helping Rhodey and co figure out what is going on with Stark's tech and explore more of what their relationship became considering they became close at the beginning of Endgame.

SecretWarsIsComing2025-12-27 20:36

Def would’ve been a good jump-off for her from GOTG3. Not to mention the potential with Ironheart leading into Armor Wars.

Altego19992025-12-27 19:58

I felt like Nebula's evolution for the better began in GOTG 2 when we finally understood *why* she hated Gamora; Gamora would defeat Nebula during every duel they had during childhood, leading to Thanos replacing Nebula's body parts with mechanical parts. This is why Nebula relentlessly aims to kill Gamora (despite Gamora being forced to do so in childhood lest the same fate approached her).

Nebula's evolution was complete in Endgame when she shot *herself* to save an alternate version of Gamora.

Edit:- I should add the reason why I felt the need to summarize Nebula's character arc; because it is so wholesome that your heart literally melts when you follow her journey from GOTG 2 (note I said *2*, not *1* ).

Part 1 had us believe that Nebula was just your typical antagonist but part 2 reversed that and had us feel for what Nebula *actually* went through. You could feel the pain in her voice when she admonished Gamora for always defeating her and never letting her win (due to which, Thanos would replace a body part with cybernetics). You also feel disgusted with Gamora for her childhood actions (even though she had no choice).

When Nebula realises in IW that Gamora is dead and not coming back, you feel her pain. Also, in Endgame, you feel her pain again when she removes the orb (with the power stone) and she sorrowfully says she wasn't always like this. This is what makes the scene where Nebula shoots *herself* to save Gamora more impactful.

FilmScoreConnoisseur2025-12-27 22:42

Yeah no shit.

Carthonn2025-12-27 22:47

It reads like a response from Grok

NepheliLouxWarrior2025-12-28 02:52

Thanks Char gpt

AdmiralCharleston2025-12-27 19:58

She was so much better when gunn wasn't writing her its kinda hilarious

CaptHayfever2025-12-27 21:42

Except he did write GotG 2, & he consulted on Infinity War/Endgame. Those 3 movies cover most of her character development.

AdmiralCharleston2025-12-27 23:01

She was at her best in iw and endgame, which had his oversight but not as much as in his films, and in gotg v3 she was basically nom existent

The-ghost-of-life2025-12-28 06:10

She was static in Infinity War and Endgame. She was on the good side and had been resolved to kill Thanos from start to finish. All her character development happened on the Guardians movies.

Styx_Zidinya2025-12-28 20:19

*sniff sniff*

Smells like Snydercult in here.

AdmiralCharleston2025-12-28 20:53

I forgot that any criticism of gunn must make me a snyder cult guy huh /s

I hate snyder cultists, I just don't think gunn is perfect

Styx_Zidinya2025-12-28 21:15

Yes I definitely believe you.

AdmiralCharleston2025-12-28 21:25

Well you've got a whole 1 comment to base your assessment off so forgive me if I robyn have faith in your analysis

eltrotter2025-12-27 20:09

It was strange when Endgame came out to realise that maybe the closest thing to a “main character” the film had might have been Nebula.

Sumiren5r_71102025-12-27 21:01

And in IW out of all the Guardians Gamora had the most time to shine

StinkyEttin2025-12-27 20:27

Hands down the best arc in the entire series.

lkmk2025-12-27 20:28

Seeing her cry in relief at Rocket’s safety was incredibly cathartic.

Willing-Bench10782025-12-27 20:30

I feel like there was some missed romantic tension when nebula and Tony were stuck on the benetar together.

I would have watched a full season or three of them fixing the ship and traveling the galaxy while slowly falling in love.

He likes machines, she is a machine. Think about it.

They both have deep trauma and just lost someone. (Gamora and Parker)

I think she could have taught him to be more of a fighter and he could have taught her more about emotions.

Plus, she’s a blue alien.

Unused_Icon2025-12-27 21:37

I didn’t see any romantic tension in those scenes. Rather, I got a father - daughter dynamic between the two.

That paper football scene was a perfect example. Tony was patient when teaching her the game, then he appeared to let Nebula win that round. Nebula, who always lost when competing against Gamora and faced severe punishment when she lost, looked stunned when Tony told her she won and congratulated her.

That scene showed me two things:

1. How much better Nebula’s life would have been had she had a father like Tony. You could tell how much that “you win” and “congratulations” from Tony meant to her, as positive reinforcement clearly wasn’t something she received growing up.

2. It gave us a bit of foreshadowing that Tony would really be a good father.

Willing-Bench10782025-12-28 00:45

No, lovers

NepheliLouxWarrior2025-12-28 02:53

Bonk

apneax3n0n2025-12-27 20:50

Oh Amelia

Monsieur-2472025-12-27 21:06

I also think her arc was very powerful and touching. There was lots of subtlety in Karen Gillen’s performance, which is pretty incredible given all the prosthetics and some of the cartoonish plot elements. You can always see a tension on Nebula’s face, like a child figuring out how to act when everything is confusing. And yet at the same time, she is a decisive, solid presence in every scene.

nattybow2025-12-27 21:22

Fucking fire and so under the radar. She defined a character just as well as RDJ, Hemsworth, or Evans.

CaptHayfever2025-12-27 21:47

It's been my experience that she has one of the arcs we talk about the *most* here, but it's for good reason.

carymb2025-12-27 22:09

I think the big arcs of the MCU are Tony, Loki, Wanda and Nebula -- and the best performances. And I say that as a huge fan of Cap. But he's essentially true to who he was, in different circumstances, so... An anti-arc. An awesome piller.

hippest2025-12-28 00:36

What of The Winter Soldier? Another lost white boy to rehabilitate...

Educational-Tea-65722025-12-27 22:42

I love Nebula so much. The fact that she really doesn't have a ton of screentime (comparatively speaking) yet still plays such a pivotal role in the fight against Thanos, and her struggles and growth and motivations all being made so clear across her arc, makes her one of my favorite characters.

Also have to give a shout-out to **"You were the one who wanted to win, and I just wanted a sister!"** One line was all it took to completely reframe my perspective of an antagonistic character - honestly that's the fastest I've ever changed my mind about a character. (Loki definitely took a lot longer for me to change my mind about.)

NepheliLouxWarrior2025-12-28 02:53

It's a great line but it also kind of bothers me because since the movie has already established that the loser of the duels gets their limbs ripped off and replaced with robotic parts, isn't it more than fair for gamora to have wanted to win?

gamjanamja6292025-12-28 03:42

Eh could have gone 50/50 at the least

Educational-Tea-65722025-12-28 04:01

I mean, you're absolutely right, and Gamora actually indirectly addresses this at the end of the movie; but when you're the one getting your arms ripped off, I couldn't exactly blame you for not taking the time to sit back and self-reflect on how at least someone else is being spared the pain of being turned into a cyborg. Plus, I kinda got the impression that Nebula thought the punishment was directed at *her* specifically - like, Gamora was already Thanos's favorite, so the robotic enhancement was less an "equal" consequence allotted to anyone who lost, and more a punishment for Nebula never measuring up to Gamora's brilliance. That doesn't make Nebula's assumption objectively true, of course, but I still think she was operating under that assumption.

WindowInformal49002025-12-27 23:43

Nebula has one of the best character growths in the mcu. She goes from one of the most hatable characters to someone you genuinely understand and maybe even relate to. Her interactions with the rest of the gaurdians in volume 3 is genuinely so heartwarming you can tell she feels at peace with them

jtfjtf2025-12-28 00:00

One of the best arcs in the MCU.

Throwupmyhands2025-12-28 00:46

My favorite character arc

SplashAttacks2025-12-28 01:03

She is honestly my favorite character in all of MCU. Her arc and writing are just top notch (except maybe GOT3). She's also super funny in the later movies without it feeling forced. Just absolutely love everything about her character.

iXeons2025-12-28 01:20

Her and Clint carried a lot emotionally in Endgame. Love her arc

JunkHead19792025-12-28 01:21

She's my favorite MCU character. Rocket is 2nd. It's funny that those two turned out to be my favorites, when I originally figured GotG would be my least favorite series. From her being a secondhand sister to Gamora taking orders... to her breakdown when she hears Rocket's voice...

I just loved her. Best character.

shiraryumaster132025-12-28 02:03

She's my fav character in the MCU so yes, yes she is that damn good.

I still have to hold back tears at the scene in GOTG 2 when she and Gamora are fighting.

"You wanted to win and I just wanted a sister!"

Shit hits every time

Charwoman_Gene2025-12-28 02:15

It’s not ripe yet.

forevertrueblue2025-12-28 02:57

Good stuff!

Amazing-Activity-8822025-12-28 03:53

I would love it more (Love the Character because of Amy Pond) but it feels rushed from GOTG 1 to GOTG 2. (After 2 it's better, but this is why I don't love other Arcs Like Loki since it feels like the Writers didn't give us many other appearances and more was Preparing them for Infinity War to quickly) Loki I prefer because we had more movies between Between Thor/Avengers to Ragnarök. This is one of the reasons why I appreciate Dark World it's Important for the Characters going forward with Major Things Happening GOTG 2 Feels Filler since Yondo doesn't get Referenced after.

Ill_Tumblr_4_Ya2025-12-28 06:25

Whether watching the skies for The Raggedy Man’s return or keeping vigil over Tony Stark, I guess she was always the companion who waited

No-Today-24592025-12-28 06:56

![gif](giphy|7hnDRdEBLFEzwNoT09)

bassoontennis2025-12-28 07:38

It’s still insane, the makeup and acting is so good I would never believe you if you told me this was the actress who played Amy Pond.

Zoulogist2025-12-28 08:23

I just never noticed how black her eyes were

Nexxlegacy2025-12-28 10:45

In my starlord voice I see what you did there

captainkezz1232025-12-28 23:26

Thanos did pick a pretty set..,,

Sega_Genitals2025-12-28 09:58

I really wish they would’ve let her just have her normal accent, sometimes the breathy voice they went with got weird

xyzsomething2025-12-28 10:53

She is my favourite MCU character outside the original 6, definitely my favourite character of Guardians OF The Galaxy

Aromatic-Cupcake48022025-12-28 12:51

Seeing her in Guardians 3 having parts of her face replaced with ones that match her face and the paper football on a spaceship after years of character development.

0rtmo2025-12-28 18:26

yea best character development arc

WarlockProdigy2025-12-28 19:54

Nebula... I have explored quite a bit of this arc. My analysis of her impact is significant and changes the narrative of the infinity saga completely. Her role insinuates Thanos faked his beheading overall.

Id even go so far as to say Thanos views Nebula as his own personal curse of knowledge. Similar to how the mind stone cursed Tonies mind with future events making each character a reflection of the other to opposing outcomes. Self sacrifice vs Sacrificing what you love etc. many dichotomies between the two for sure.

Without Nebulas entangled network you have to ask if Thanos could've completed collecting the stones. And for me the answer is no. His curse creates his destiny in my eyes.

sarandipity-412025-12-28 19:54

Is she an anti-hero? It seems like she joined “the good side” over a genuine desire for redemption.

I love her arc!

captainkezz1232025-12-28 23:29

This. I wouldn’t call her an anti-hero. She helped save the universe then became a leader looking after a bunch of misplaced children alongside Drax. She’s a straight up hero

NotOnMyBacon2025-12-28 20:33

I actually wanted Nebula to fall in love with Peter by the end of Gaurdians 3. It didn’t need to happen, they even made that joke where he gives her the puppy dog eyes for a second when Gamora points out how well they get along

captainkezz1232025-12-28 23:24

Going from a side grunt to an avenger helping save the universe to surrogate leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy while Peter was in his drunk, depressed state. What an arc

Jerb222025-12-29 02:37

lol her real life arc is also incredible. From Doctor who to one of the most prominent MCU stars is a good place to be

Tomsskiee2025-12-29 12:41

Her arc is by far the best in the entire mcu. When she said that rocket was family to gamora in guardians 3 i believe it was just so perfect.

Krimson322025-12-31 01:29

I hope she evolves into the character she was in What If? 🙏🏾