Karen Gillanknows her way around an action scene.
Here, Gillan opens up to EW about stepping into the action-movie spotlight.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What was it about this script that first hooked you?
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KAREN GILLAN:Initially I was drawn in by the title.
I was like, “What is this movie?
I’ll watch this movie based on the title alone.”
I was like, “Can you just just check that I’m in this film?”
Because it was so original.
It was just something I haven’t seen before in a film.
I felt like we were in new territory.
How did you want to find that balance?
I think it was already there in script form, actually.
The tone rested with our director, and I trusted him to lead me through it.
Then for the comedic moments, we just had some fun.
It was definitely physically demanding.
Now I finally graduate to a full-blown action film.
I would say the biggest challenge was my first fight sequence in the film.
So you better deliver on that first fight sequence.
There were no cut points to hide behind, no editing, nothing.
We had to get one perfect take.
I remember that was quite nerve-wracking but exhilarating, and the adrenaline was going.
But it was really fun.
I mean, I never thought I’d be fighting with a panda suitcase.
Lena Headey plays your mother.
How did you two establish that mother-daughter chemistry?
Oh, she was one of my favorite people I’ve ever worked with, to be honest.
But that’s where our connection started, and I think that translated onto the screen.
It was just fun and freeing to work with someone who wants to just have a laugh off camera.
The acting nerd in me was just squealing with joy when I was watching them act.
There was a part of me that was just really starstruck the whole time.
She’s an action legend.
She actually really helped me though: She was like, “Use your height more.”
So that was a really cool note.
And then Angela Bassett has the most gravitas and power and is just so amazing to watch.
[She has that] can’t-take-your-eyes-away throw in of magnetism.
And Carla Gugino, just a brilliant, brilliant actress.
It was like everywhere you looked was an amazing, legendary actress.
Was there a particularly memorable day on set with them?
There was one scene with the three librarians, where you first meet them properly.
It’s all one take, and it’s really long, and it’s all talking.
You’ve also started directing and doing more work as a filmmaker.
Is there something you’ve learned from that experience that you’ve carried with you into your acting?
I’m probably more understanding of directors now, just having been in that position.
When I met Navot, it was extremely easy to get behind his vision.
It was like his personality was the vision, almost.
His enthusiasm was infectious.
What was your most difficult day on set?
Yeah, that’s not a skillset you probably use in your everyday life.
Although I will say that fight sequence is closer to me in real life just because I’m gangly.
So I got to embrace the goofy gangliness.
[Laughs] I didn’t have to suppress it to be an action hero.
Up next, you’ll be appearing as Nebula again inThor: Love and ThunderandGuardians of the Galaxy Vol.
3.What are you most excited for about this next chapter in Nebula’s story?
He was the source of abuse to her.
What are those emotions.
