Having become widely known for her role as companion Amy Pond in the celebrated BBC series Doctor Who, Karen Gillan is finally making the leap onto the big-screen after being cast in Marvel’s latest film Guardians of the Galaxy.

The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that the red-haired Scottish beauty has landed a surprise part as one of the villains in the upcoming comic-book film though her character role is not yet known.

Gillan joins a cast of mixed names with Chris Pratt (Moneyball, Parks and Recreation) playing the leading hero Star-Lord while support comes from Zoe Saldaña (Avatar, Star Trek Into Darkness), Dave Bautista (The Man With the Iron Fists, Riddick), Michael Rooker (Cliffhanger, The Walking Dead) and Oscar-nominee Glenn Close (Fatal Attraction, Damages).

The film will be directed by James Gunn (Super) and is scheduled for release on August 1st 2014.