Karen Gillan, that amazing Scottish actress who stole the show on Doctor Who, has become an absolute icon as Nebula in the MCU. Can you believe it’s been a mind-blowing nine years since she made her debut in the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie back in 2014? And now, we’re coming to the end of this incredible journey.
In celebration of Karen Gillan’s remarkable career, let’s take a look back at her greatest movies to date.
1. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
In 2017, the Jumanji franchise was revitalized with the release of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. This action-packed adventure comedy centers around a group of teenagers who find themselves magically transported into a video game. To escape and return home, they must embark on an exhilarating quest that tests their skills and courage.
2. Jumanji: The Next Level
In the movie, a group of teenagers are transformed into avatars in the world of Jumanji. These avatars are portrayed by Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson, and Gillan. Among them, Gillan plays the character of Ruby Roundhouse/Martha, who possesses impressive martial arts skills and bears a striking resemblance to Lara Croft from Tomb Raider. Gillan’s exceptional performance allows her to flawlessly embody both Martha and Ruby’s personalities and mannerisms.
3. Dual (2022)
Sarah, upon receiving a terminal diagnosis, chooses cloning to lessen the impact on her loved ones. Miraculously, she recovers, but her attempts to deactivate her clone are unsuccessful, resulting in a court-ordered fight to the death. With one year to prepare, she must train for the ultimate battle.
4. Oculus (2013)
Karen Gillan, you know her from Doctor Who, right? Well, she made a big splash in the US with this movie called Oculus (2014). It’s about Kaylie, Gillan’s character, and her brother Tim (played by Brenton Thwaites). They’re all grown up now, and they’re trying to fix their relationship after their parents died. The thing is, Kaylie thinks this old mirror, the Lasser Glass, had something to do with it. There’s this evil force inside the mirror that messes with people’s heads. It’s not your typical horror movie; it’s more like a mind-bending, suspenseful thriller. Gillan’s performance in Oculus really put her on the map in America, and she’s been on fire ever since!
5. All Creatures Here Below
Gensan and Ruby, facing extreme poverty, encounter a downward spiral when Gensan loses his job and recklessly gambles away his last paycheck. Fleeing to their hometown of Kansas City, they confront the haunting secrets that have plagued them for years.
6. Guardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy is the first installment in a franchise of the same name. It introduces us to a team of extraterrestrial criminals who come together after stealing a powerful artifact and are now on the run. The film also introduces Nebula, played by Karen Gillan, who is Thanos’ adopted daughter and a loyal lieutenant to Ronan, portrayed by Lee Pace, and Thanos himself.
This Marvel superhero film delivers all the expected thrills and action, but what really sets it apart is the humor that binds this unconventional group of criminals together. Marvel took a bold risk with this approach, but it pays off not just for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but also for the subsequent franchise.
7. The Call of the Wild
In 2020, a film adaptation of Jack London’s novel The Call of the Wild was released. Set against the backdrop of the Klondike Gold Rush in Yukon, Canada, during a time when sled dogs were in high demand, the story unfolds. The movie is directed by Chris Sanders, known for his work on beloved family classics such as Lilo & Stitch and How To Train Your Dragon. It centers around the journey of Buck, a loyal and affectionate dog who is uprooted from his comfortable life in California and transported to the rugged Alaskan Yukon to fulfill the role of a sled dog.
8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Continuing the story from the 2014 film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 takes us on another adventure with the group of heroes known as the Guardians of the Galaxy. This time, they face new challenges that put their unity to the test while dealing with personal issues within their own families. One of the main conflicts revolves around Star-Lord, portrayed by the talented Chris Pratt, and his encounter with his ambitious and otherworldly father, Ego, portrayed by the esteemed Kurt Russell.
9. The Party’s Just Beginning
Gillan’s debut as a writer and director came with The Party’s Just Beginning (2018). The film follows Liusaidh (Gillan), a young woman struggling with her friend’s suicide. It offers a new role for Gillan, departing from her action-packed performances. Set in Gillan’s hometown of Iverness, Scotland, the movie delves into the complexities of pain, grief, and their varied manifestations.
10. Gunpowder Milkshake
Like her mother, Sam is a contract killer. She works for an organization called the Firm. When she has to carry out one of her contracts, she is faced with a dilemma: complete her mission or save the life of a little girl. So she calls on her mother and her mortal associates to protect the child.
