10 Actresses Who Made An Unexpected Splash In Popular Franchises

4. Karen Gillan - Guardians Of The Galaxy

Gillan was massively popular in Doctor Who circles before she did what successful British actresses tend to do and haul ass to LA. She was buoyed by more goodwill than most - her acting as stroppy universe saver Amy Pond deservedly made her a household name. Since then she's experienced an impressive upward trajectory, thanks in no small part to wildboy helmer James Gunn casting her as piratical blue-bonced psychopath Nebula in Guardians Of The Galaxy. As Hollywood roles go it's a doozy, though also an unusual path for Gunn to take. How would the aloof and decidedly Scottish Girl Who Didn't Have To Wait Too Long fare as an space-hopping bio-warrior with a chip on her shoulder bigger than the TARDIS bathroom? Briliantly it transpired, with her director memorably describing her as a blend of Hello Kitty and Clint Eastwood. Roll on Guardians 2, currently shooting in Atlanta...