The History of Gamora and Nebula in the MCU
Assassins, daughters of Thanos, and honorary Avengers. Gamora and Nebula have taken quite the ride throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe. At first, they hated one another. Then they found that sisterly love buried deep under years of rivalry. After Gamora died, and was replaced in the current timeline with her past counterpart, things got a lot more complicated.
However, their relationship is a foundation of the Guardians of the Galaxy films, and therefore integral to the MCU as a whole. Ahead of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, let’s revisit that historically rocky relationship between Marvel’s Gamora and Nebula.
Marvel Comics
Gamora and Nebula’s comics history is almost identical to its onscreen depiction. Both characters were “adopted” and abused by Thanos after he razed their home worlds. He taught them both how to fight by turning them against each other — both mentally and physically. Whenever Nebula lost a bout, he’d replace part of her organic body with a cybernetic enhancement. As is evident by Gamora and Nebula’s appearances, Nebula lost far more frequently.
While Gamora saw her little sister as more of an incompetent annoyance, Nebula saw her big sister as a true threat. Because of this, Gamora and Nebula never actually united against Thanos within Marvel Comics’ panels. However, the two eventually did make peace and parted amicably.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1
Our first glimpse at these sisters paints them as competitive, aggressive, and distrustful. Gamora aides Peter Quill, AKA Star-Lord, in saving the universe. On the other hand, Nebula actively works against our heroes as an ally of Thanos. She has a personal score to settle, as well. Nebula’s jealousy and rage thus blind her against her and her sister’s common enemy. Although Gamora pleads with her to see the truth, Nebula can’t. They end this movie as enemies.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Though Nebula has severed ties with Thanos by this point, she and the Guardians aren’t on the best terms. Still, the crew members trade their time and energy to rescue Nebula from The Sovereign. Throughout the film, Nebula is kept chained and in close proximity to one of the Guardians. At the first chance she gets, she attacks Gamora, and the two almost kill each other. However, they form an uneasy alliance against the villain Ego. In the end, the sisters completely reconcile. However, Nebula still pursues her quest to kill Thanos alone.
Avengers: Infinity War
Of course, going it alone has never really served any hero. During his journey acquiring Infinity Stones, Thanos imprisons Nebula. He also captures Gamora — he doesn’t torture his favorite daughter, though. Instead, he tortures Nebula until Gamora divulges the Soul Stone’s location in order to save her sister. This is the last time Nebula sees this version of Gamora because on Vormir, Thanos murders Gamora so he can gain the Stone.
Avengers: Endgame
All of the Avengers are grieving many losses. Nebula is fundamentally changed by her sister’s death. Through a classic time travel plot, however, the sisters get a second chance. Still, the Gamora who follows them to their future is a lot different than the Guardians’ favorite green gal. Despite being disillusioned with the Mad Titan’s violence and genocidal tendencies, she’s still closed off emotionally. After all, she’s never met and galavanted with the Guardians. Endgame ends with her running off on her own.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Based on the new trailer, the Gamora and Nebula relationship looks like it’s been reversed. Gamora even notes to Peter that “whoever it was that you were in love with, it sounds more like her!” while gesturing to Nebula. Because of all the time travel shenanigans, Gamora is now ruthless and bloodthirsty, while Nebula is well-adjusted and friendly. But at least they’re together again!
Truly, it’s a fun way to continue their journey and story without rehashing the same arguments. Now everyone in this little found family has a chance to grow, change, and find out what’s most important in life. We can only hope Peter, Drax, Mantis, Groot, Rocket, and the sisters will fly away together healthy and happy once their saga concludes.
Are you excited to see more of Gamora and Nebula’s sibling antics in the new Guardians of the Galaxy movie? Share your thoughts with other Marvel fans in our Let Your Spoiler Sideshow: MCU Phase Five Facebook Group, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!
