Not only did Guardians of the Gallaxy 3 present a YA Groot, but it also features a Nebula whose appearance isn't what we've been used to. So, are there any narrative reasons why Nebula looks different in Guardians of the Galaxy 3?
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How Did Nebula's Appearance Change in Guardians of the Galaxy 3?
While not as big as Groot's change in appearance, Nebula also gets a new look in Guardian of the Galaxy 3, which makes her appear more human.
First of all, Nebula no longer sports metallic parts on her head. Her signature golden cybernetic strip that allowed her to infiltrate the Avengers in an earlier installment is no longer there.
Moreover, Nebula's prosthetic arm is very different. While still mechanical, her new arm is made of a chain-like material that looks more mobile.
Its movement is more reminiscent of a human arm, compared to its previous bionic counterpart, which looked much more robotic.
Nebula's Character Arc
It isn't just Nebula's appearance that has changed in Guardians of the Galaxy 3. Her character growth is also evident.
When Nebula was young, Thanos would abuse her by removing her body parts and replacing them with mechanical ones to punish her after she lost fights with her sister Gamora.
This makes her extremely bitter and resentful towards her sister.
One of the most engaging subplots of Guardians of the Galaxy 2 involves her wrestling with her past, addressing her trauma and ultimately reconnecting with her sister and joining the Guardians.
It's very likely that her character growth is reflected in her new look.
Why Is Nebula's Appearance Different in Guardians of the Galaxy 3?
Nebula's changed appearance in Guardians of the Galaxy 3 could signify her character development, and it's in line with the movie's themes, too.
For much of her life, Nebula would do anything her father wanted her to, but, in the second Guardians movie, we see her grow and ultimately start to embrace the humanity Thanos denied her.
While Volume 2 does conclude with Nebula setting off alone, her path eventually leads her back to the Guardians where she forms genuine connections and is free to make her own choices.
Her changed appearance in Volume 3 can be seen as visualizing her freedom from Thanos' influence.
Moreover, while the third Guardians installment doesn't center Nebula's narrative, the movie engages with body politics in other relevant ways.
Guardians of the Galaxy 3 features some distressing themes, such as forced body modification, something Nebula has gone through too.
While her gold strip did look cool, it's fitting that this is the movie where she gets a new look.
That being said, some fans criticized Nebula's new arm, so one's reaction to it is a matter of personal preference.
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