At Least One Guardian Of The Galaxy Would Like To Continue Even If Vol. 3 Is James Gunn’s Last Movie

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe is greatly expanding in Phase Four, extending to both movies and small screen adventures on Disney+. But as we’re being introduced to new stories, fans also saw the departure of favorites like Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans. And while Guardians of the Galaxy filmmaker James Gunn has the potential to leave the MCU after Vol. 3, one Guardian would like to continue in the MCU regardless.

Filmmaker James Gunn took a cast of unknown characters and made them favorites throughout the first two Guardians of the Galaxy movies. Fans were thrilled to see the motley crew crossover with the greater MCU in the last two Avengers flicks, especially Karen Gillan’s Nebula. And it turns out that the Jumanji actress would like to keep playing the Blue Meanie for the foreseeable future, recently saying:

I love my character so much. I’m sort of obsessed with her. I just get such a kick out of playing a character that’s really removed from myself. But I also feel really emotionally invested in her through everything that she’s gone through with Thanos and all of that. So I would love to continue the journey of the character. I don’t know what that would really look like without James or Dave, but I really like playing her, so I’m not eager to finish.

That was honest. While it’s unclear how the Guardians of the Galaxy’s story will wrap up in the upcoming threequel, Karen Gillan doesn’t want to leave Nebula or the greater Marvel Cinematic Universe behind. We’ll just have to see how Gamora’s sister manages to survive the next installment, and if her fate allows for more appearances.

Nebula in the first Guardians movie

Karen Gillan’s comments come from the actress’ recent conversation with THR about her new Netflix movie Gunpowder Milkshake. Eventually the conversation turned to her tenure in the MCU playing Nebula, and the mysterious contents of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. While she didn’t reveal anything about that blockbuster, Gillan wants to keep playing her signature Guardian if possible.

Marvel fans can re-watch Nebula’s time in the MCU so far on Disney+. You can use this link to sign up for the streaming service.

Nebula has had a fascinating journey in the MCU, and it seems Karen Gillan wants to see the character continue to change following Guardians 3. She went from an antagonist to a welcome member of the Guardians and beloved sister of Gamora. What’s more, she and Rocket were the only two members of the team who survived Thanos’ attack and The Snap.

Indeed, it’s Nebula’s appearance in Avengers: Endgame that could seemingly open up Karen Gillan’s character for future appearances in the MCU after Guardians 3. After surviving The Snap, she bonded with Tony Stark while stranded in space. She and Rocket also got close, and Nebula basically became an Avenger in the five-year time jump. As such, it wouldn't be out of the blue (lol) for her to pop up in another franchise.

Gunpowder Milkshake is currently available on Netflix, while the MCU returned to theaters with Black Widow. In the meantime, check out the 2021 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience.

Corey Chichizola
Movies Editor

Corey was born and raised in New Jersey. Graduated with degrees theater and literature from Ramapo College of New Jersey. After working in administrative theater for a year in New York, he started as the Weekend Editor at CinemaBlend. He's since been able to work himself up to reviews, phoners, and press junkets-- and is now able to appear on camera with some of his favorite actors... just not as he would have predicted as a kid. He's particularly proud of covering horror franchises like Scream and Halloween, as well as movie musicals like West Side Story. Favorite interviews include Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more.