Dr Who actress to have big role in <em>Guardians 2</em>

Los Angeles - Karen Gillan's Nebula is a "huge character" in the Guardians of the Galaxy sequel. 

The film's director James Gunn has taken to his Twitter account to spill that Nebula is going to be at the forefront of the action against the superhero squad, headed up by Star-Lord (Chris Pratt).

The 45-year-old filmmaker tweeted: "Nebula is a huge character in (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2).

"(Karen Gillan) has her makeup applied every day of her many days on set. (sic)"

Nebula is a huge character in @GotGVol2. @karengillan has her makeup applied every day of her many days on set. https://t.co/6oFuHEHVCC

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) July 4, 2016

Karen posted these images of her on set earlier this year. 

It's good to be back in blue. #GuardiansoftheGalaxy2 pic.twitter.com/LQcH4T5mXX

— Karen Gillan (@karengillan) February 24, 2016

Fun times #GuardiansoftheGalaxy2 pic.twitter.com/C98oKB2xfC

— Karen Gillan (@karengillan) March 17, 2016

Last year, Gunn had promised that Nebula would have an important role in the hotly anticipated follow up, but it appears Gillan's character has had a substantial promotion if she is spending so many days on set. 

Gunn also revealed it was a pleasure working with Kurt Russell on the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and compared the experience of directing him in his as-yet undisclosed role as "like wrestling a very friendly bear".

Gunn also confirmed that Glenn Close is definitely returning Irani Rael - leader of the Nova Corps - and shared what style of movie he thinks the Marvel Studios sequel is.

He tweeted: "I'd say the 1st film is a space opera, not a science fiction film. The 2nd movie is a bit more science fiction tho. (sic)"

As well as Gillan, Russell, Close and Pratt the cast also includes Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel and Michael Rooker.

The film is expected to hit cinemas in April 2017 in the UK and in May in the US in 2017.