Have you ever watched the Guardians of the Galaxy movies and wondered how the make-up team transforms red-headed bombshell Karen Gillan into the bald-headed, blue-faced assassin Nebula? Well, if so, you might be interested in this latest behind the scenes look from the set of the currently filming Avengers 4.
The actress took to Instagram this week to share a photo of the full-face mask she wears to get into character as Thanos’ cyborg daughter. As the prosthetic has just been removed after a day’s work, it’s fair to say that the mask, with empty eye holes and a gaping mouth, is pretty terrifying.
Portraying Nebula was a big commitment for Gillan back when she filmed 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy. The Scottish star shaved her head for the role and had to endure a whopping five hours in the make-up chair every morning. For Vol.2, however, the process was massively streamlined, as the actress was able to keep her hair and it only took 2 and a half hours to complete the transformation. It’s likely that this prosthetic helped to simplify things, as it completely covers Gillan’s head and ensures that blue-make-up only has to be applied around the actress’ eyes, nose and mouth.
It’s handy that the process of getting into character is becoming more effective, too, as Nebula’s role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is growing more important with each successive film. First, she was made an honorary Guardian in Vol. 2, while Infinity War will see her team up with the Avengers and the rest of Earth’s heroes to take down her adoptive dad. Finally, if Avengers 4 is anything like the comics, Nebula should play a fairly important part in defeating the Mad Titan. Not to mention that Gillan has also promised fans “an emotional explosion” for her character in the upcoming movies.
The actress has a few more months’ left of donning the blue head-piece, as Avengers 4 is due to continue filming until December. After that, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will likely head into production in late 2018, and if rumors are to be believed, it’ll likely mark Nebula’s final appearance in the franchise.
