Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Features A Secret Iron Man Legacy

James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 features a secret Iron Man legacy. The much-anticipated threequel has been delayed significantly due to various reasons. Fortunately, the film is finally in principal photography. While the cast and crew have remained tightlipped about spoiler details, there have been updates offered giving the public an idea of what to expect from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Despite the delays, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3's story and OST have long been decided. Gunn has been vocal about the threequel wrapping up his MCU sub-franchise, meaning it will be the last outing for the original Guardians of the Galaxy team. As set up in Avengers: Endgame, the film will tackle the unknown whereabouts of Gamora (Zoe Saldana). The search for her will be a primary focus of the blockbuster. As for her sister, Nebula, Karen Gillan says that viewers can expect a looser version of the character compared to her previous MCU appearances.

Nebula becoming more relaxed has been chalked up to the death of Thanos (Josh Brolin) in Avengers: Endgame. With her abusive adoptive father gone, she finally got rid of the chip on her shoulder after years of being emotionally and physically mistreated by the purple Titan. The problem with this assumption is that Nebula never really got the chance to confront Thanos about his behavior towards her. While knowing that he can no longer hurt her helps in her healing journey, it can't be the only factor in Nebula becoming more fun and carefree in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Arguably, Tony Stark's interaction with her at the start of Avengers: Endgame is a far more impactful experience for her, as she finally gets to experience what it’s like having a father figure. Despite the pair only meeting in Avengers: Infinity War, their experience after Thanos' Decimation made them closer. In the three weeks that they were floating in space trying to survive, Tony and Nebula formed a bond. Through him, she learned what it was like to have a positive father-daughter dynamic.

Given Iron Man's start in the MCU, being a father figure was unexpected. Because of his hang-ups with his own father, he shied away from mentoring anyone. Coming across Peter Parker (Tom Holland) forced him to take on a paternal role. Granted that he tried coming off as indifferent to Spider-Man, he eventually relented and became more active in grooming the web-slinger. Iron Man's relationship with Nebula was briefer than the one he had with Peter. Perhaps Tony didn't even think about their interactions in Benatar as anything more than what they were. Considering Nebula's past as Thanos' abused daughter, it's safe to say that it meant a lot to her. Even Tony's small act of letting her win a flicking contest is a cherished memory for Nebula who has had to fight for everything in her life.

The MCU is moving away from the events of the Infinity Saga and is setting up a brand new overarching narrative for its future. It's clear that Iron Man's legacy will continue to have a lasting effect in the franchise's Phase 4 and beyond, given how Tony's snap allowed the universe to move forward. Other than that, he also lives through everyone that he has impacted during his time as a prominent Avengers member, including Nebula as will be seen in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

More: Marvel Hints Iron Man's Endgame Death Wasn't The Only Way To Beat Thanos