Podcrushed Episode Summary: Karen Gillan Release Date: June 11, 2025

Hosts: Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, Sophie Ansari
Guest: Karen Gillan

1. Introduction to Karen Gillan's Scottish Roots

The episode begins with the hosts sharing their connections to Scotland, setting the stage for Karen Gillan's appearance, who hails from Inverness, Scotland. Nava Kavelin reveals her deep familial ties to Scotland, mentioning her maternal grandmother from the Hamilton family and the family’s historic connection to Hamilton Manor ([02:50]).

2. Adolescence and Social Anxiety

Karen opens up about her teenage years, highlighting her severe social anxiety during middle school. She describes herself at twelve as someone who "couldn't look people in the eye" and always felt the need to "take up the least amount of space possible" ([07:08]). This period marked her entry into high school in Scotland, which she anticipated would be a new beginning but instead found it "even more terrible, terrifying" ([07:12]).

3. Finding Solace in Performance and Horror

Despite her social struggles, Karen discovered a refuge in performing. She began creating characters and performing in front of her peers, which she refers to as "social suicide" but felt it was necessary for her confidence ([08:37]). Her passion for horror films led her to make homemade horror movies inspired by classics like Scream, even starting a Scream-themed club at school where she sold merchandise like drawings of Sarah Michelle Gellar on A Pool of Blood ([09:28], [09:49]).

4. Influence of Her Father and Developing Drive

Karen credits her father with instilling a strong sense of drive and self-belief, though he wasn't directly involved in her creative endeavors. She learned to apply his teachings of being driven to her own projects, exemplified by her initiative in creating horror films and managing her early performances ([11:05]).

5. Transitioning to Acting Classes

At fourteen, Karen decided to pursue acting more seriously by enrolling in acting classes despite her stage fright. Her initial nervousness gradually diminished as she gained more experience, allowing her to build confidence in performing both on stage and eventually on camera ([31:11], [35:00]).

6. Early Career and Breaking into Television

Karen's determination led her to seek representation at fifteen, eventually getting an agent who helped her land her first significant role on Doctor Who. This role was a pivotal moment, allowing her to transition from theater to television and gain exposure in the acting industry ([34:36], [40:14]).

7. Experience on Doctor Who

Her tenure on Doctor Who provided valuable on-set experience, despite her initial lack of knowledge about camera acting. Karen recalls the intense learning curve but emphasizes the enjoyment and camaraderie with her co-stars, which made the experience memorable ([40:14], [41:01]).

8. Moving to Hollywood and Landing Guardians of the Galaxy

After Doctor Who, Karen moved to Los Angeles to pursue more opportunities. She auditioned for Guardians of the Galaxy in London, where her prior role in Doctor Who caught the attention of the casting directors, leading to her casting as Nebula. This transition marked her entry into one of the most successful film franchises ([42:44], [41:53]).

9. Portraying Nebula: Transformation and Self-Image

Karen discusses the physical and emotional challenges of portraying Nebula, including shaving her head and enduring extensive makeup sessions. This transformation impacted her self-image, especially as she had previously disliked her bright red hair in school. However, the process also brought a sense of liberation and acceptance of her unique features ([43:08], [44:28]).

10. Authenticity vs. Social Performance

A significant portion of the conversation delves into the balance between being authentic and performing socially. Karen reflects on advice from director Kevin Smith about actors constantly performing roles in their daily lives. She acknowledges that while some performance is natural and necessary for survival in society, maintaining authenticity is crucial for personal well-being ([25:08], [26:24]).

11. Upcoming Projects and Future Aspirations

Karen shares her excitement about upcoming projects, including her role in The Life of Chuck, a unique drama exploring a man's mind during the end of his life. She also expresses a desire to return to filmmaking behind the camera, particularly in the horror genre, and a personal aspiration to act in a romantic comedy ([53:29], [54:03]).

12. Reflections and Advice to Her Younger Self

In a heartfelt conclusion, Karen reflects on her journey and the growth from her socially anxious twelve-year-old self to a confident actress and filmmaker. When asked what she would say to her twelve-year-old self, Karen wishes for her younger self to help her navigate social anxiety while maintaining her love for performance ([60:04]).

Notable Quotes:

• Karen Gillan on Social Anxiety:
  “I had really bad social anxiety. I couldn't look people in the eye. That was really difficult for me.” ([07:11])

• Karen Gillan on Early Performing:
  “I was creating characters and performing them in front of the kids, which was social suicide.” ([08:37])

• Karen Gillan on Getting an Agent:
  “I ordered the book, circled all the Scottish ones, and then one of them miraculously took me on.” ([33:28])

• Karen Gillan on Shaving Her Head:
  “There was something so liberating about getting rid of all my hair for two weeks.” ([43:08])

• Karen Gillan on Authenticity:
  “I think I am my authentic self now. I think, who knows for sure?” ([26:25])

• Karen Gillan on Upcoming Projects:
  “I have one [horror film] in mind, actually, but I can't really say anything now.” ([58:53])

Conclusion

This episode of Podcrushed offers an intimate look into Karen Gillan’s formative years, her struggles with social anxiety, and her passionate pursuit of acting. From creating horror films in middle school to becoming a beloved character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Karen's journey underscores the importance of resilience, authenticity, and continuous self-improvement. Her reflections serve as inspiration for listeners navigating their own paths through adolescence and beyond.