Hollywood Star Karen Gillan Delights Fans by Revealing Sunderland Roots
Hollywood actress Karen Gillan thrilled fans this week after sharing her Sunderland connections on social media.
The Scottish-born star, best known for her roles in Doctor Who and Guardians of the Galaxy, is reportedly worth an impressive $8 million (£6.1 million), according to Spanish outlet Marca. Despite being born in Inverness, Gillan took to X (formerly Twitter) to reveal her Mackem heritage, surprising many of her followers.
Gillan Embraces Mackem Roots on Social Media
Responding to a Sunderland Echo report about progress on the city’s Crown Works Studios project, Gillan wrote:
“Well, this is exciting news for a half Mackem like me!”
While it’s unclear if she has any ties to Sunderland AFC, many Black Cats supporters and locals expressed joy and surprise at the revelation.
Sunderland fan and podcaster Melissa Johnson responded enthusiastically:
“I absolutely adore you and therefore could tell you had Mackem in you. I don’t make the rules, but Mackem lasses know.”
Other fans also reacted with excitement:
- Stu Tench: “Well, there you go. Something new every day. But joking aside, it’s brilliant news that the work is starting. Exciting times.”
- Stephen Colvin: “Never knew you had Sunderland roots!”
- Jonathan Lynn: “Wow. I didn’t know that. That’s blown my mind and made my day.”
- Simon Landau: “All these years following Karen for Doctor Who and Guardians of the Galaxy, never knew this fact about her. Now she’s even higher in my estimation!”
- Matt: “Just found out her dad’s a Mackem, and now all I can think about is Thanos saying, ‘Fine al dee it mesel like.’”
Gillan was previously spotted at a Celtic match in 2012, but this is the first time she has openly acknowledged her family’s Sunderland ties.
Crown Works Studios Project Underway
As reported by Katy Wheeler of the Sunderland Echo, preparatory work has begun on the £475 million Crown Works Studios project in Pallion, near the Northern Spire bridge. Although full construction hasn’t started, diggers are already working on the brownfield site, laying the groundwork for a transformative film and TV hub.
Commissioned by Sunderland City Council, the project is being developed by Bowmer & Kirkland in collaboration with Turner & Townsend. The FulwellCain Studios venture, led by Fulwell 73 and Cain International, aims to create a 1.68 million sq ft facility capable of hosting blockbuster films and high-end TV productions.
With 19 premium sound stages, the studios will be able to support:
- Multiple blockbuster movies filming at the same time.
- Smaller-scale TV productions and independent films.
- A dedicated production village, including offices, workshops, and parking facilities.
This major investment is expected to transform Sunderland’s creative industry, bringing economic and cultural benefits to the region.
With her newfound Mackem ties, perhaps Karen Gillan could be one of the first Hollywood stars to film at the Crown Works Studios in the future.
