Marvel's Karen Gillan Open to Nebula Disney+ Spin-off

By Aeron Mer Eclarinal Posted:
Josh Brolin as Thanos, Karen Gillan as Nebula, Disney+ logo

The MCU's Guardians of the Galaxy franchise is filled with many interesting characters, incuding Karen Gillan's Nebula. She was initially introduced as a ruthless assassin since thanks to her upbringing under Thanos alongside Gamora. Since then, Nebula has slowly turned over a new leaf as she becomes an ally to the Guardians during Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will showcase Nebula as a full-time member of the team, thus presenting more opportunities to explore the character's dynamic with Peter Quill and the rest of the Guardians. Seth Green, who portrays the MCU's Howard the Duck, previously shared that the upcoming threequel's story is centered around Gamora and Nebula, meaning that both sisters' emotional backstories will move to the forefront. 

Given that Vol. 3 director James Gunn confirmed that the film will be the final adventure of this iteration of Guardians, it is unknown what's next for Nebula and the rest of the team. Now, Gillan has shared a potential idea of what may be in line for her character. 

Karen Gillan Reveals Nebula Spinoff Hopes 

Nebula Thanos
Marvel

While promoting her new movie Dual, Karen Gillan, who portrays Nebula, sat down with Screen Rant to talk about a potential Disney+ spinoff series for her MCU character. 

When asked about the possibility of headlining her own MCU series on the streaming service, Gillan admitted that, while such a project would be up to Marvel Studios, she would be open to the prospect of exploring Nebula's "really interesting backstory" on Disney+: 

"I don't know, I guess Marvel will have to say yes. So, if you want to get them to do that? That would be great. But I think I think Nebula has a really interesting backstory, so that would be really cool to learn more about."

What's Next for Nebula After Vol. 3?

The MCU's expansion has led to many storytelling opportunities for the franchise's plethora of characters, so it's possible that Nebula could be the next in line for a potential spinoff on Disney+.

Karen Gillan's enthusiasm to see her character on the small screen is a positive sign, but it seems that a proper storyline worth exploring would be needed if Marvel Studios gave it the green light. 

If Marvel decides to push through with the spinoff, there are many ways to explore Nebula's story in the MCU. The most plausible option is to showcase the character's next adventure right after the events of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

It is unknown where Nebula ends up after the threequel, but Gillan's reaction upon seeing the film's script suggests that it will be an emotional affair. There's a strong chance that one of the team members will die in the movie, and the potential spinoff could explore Nebula's grief on her own. 

It's also possible that the spinoff could uncover more of Nebula's backstory before being taken by Thanos, but it would be better if it ends up being part of flashbacks that would be incorporated into the series. 

For now, fans will see Nebula next in Thor: Love and Thunder when it premieres in theaters on July 8. 

- In This Article: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Release Date
May 05, 2023
Platform
Theaters
- About The Author: Aeron Mer Eclarinal
Aeron is a news/features writer and Content Lead for The Direct who has been working for the site since March 2020. From writing about the inter-connectivity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to having an extended knowledge about DC TV's Arrowverse, Aeron's expertise has since expanded into the realm of reality TV, K-drama, animated, and live-action shows from Netflix,  Disney+, Prime Video, MGM+, Peacock, Paramount+, and Max. When he isn't writing and watching all things MCU, Aeron is heavily invested with the NBA (go Celtics!) and occasionally watches thrilling matches in the WWE.