Marvel Star Karen Gillan's Comedic Connection to 'Pizza Movie' Creators

The 'Guardians of the Galaxy' actress is married to one half of the filmmaking duo behind the new absurdist college comedy.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:35pm

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Karen Gillan, known for her role as Nebula in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has a special connection to the creative team behind the upcoming comedy film 'Pizza Movie.' Gillan is married to Nick Kocher, who along with his writing partner Brian McElhaney, wrote and directed the movie. Gillan was involved in the project from the beginning, providing feedback and encouragement as Kocher and McElhaney developed the story about two college students who embark on a wild, drug-fueled quest for pizza.

Why it matters

The collaboration between Gillan and the 'Pizza Movie' team highlights the intertwining of Hollywood's entertainment worlds, where personal relationships and creative partnerships can lead to unique projects. The film also represents an opportunity for the writers to blend classic college comedy tropes with a more kinetic, absurdist style that they hope will resonate with modern audiences.

The details

In 'Pizza Movie,' 'Stranger Things' star Gaten Matarazzo and 'The Goldbergs' actor Sean Giambrone play college roommates who set out on a simple mission to get pizza, only to have their night spiral into a chaotic, mind-bending adventure after taking an experimental drug. Kocher and McElhaney were inspired by their own experiences of the 'epic' feeling of late-night college adventures, and wanted to capture that sense of youthful energy and possibility on screen.

  • Kocher and McElhaney began developing the 'Pizza Movie' concept years ago, with Gillan providing input from the start.
  • The film is set to premiere in 2026.

The players

Karen Gillan

A Scottish actress known for her role as Nebula in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's 'Guardians of the Galaxy' films. She is married to Nick Kocher, one of the writers and directors of 'Pizza Movie.'

Nick Kocher

One half of the writing and directing duo behind the upcoming comedy film 'Pizza Movie.' He is married to actress Karen Gillan.

Brian McElhaney

The other half of the creative team behind 'Pizza Movie,' serving as Kocher's writing and directing partner.

Gaten Matarazzo

An American actor known for his role in the Netflix series 'Stranger Things,' who stars in 'Pizza Movie.'

Sean Giambrone

An American actor known for his role in the ABC sitcom 'The Goldbergs,' who also stars in 'Pizza Movie.'

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What they’re saying

“Karen was at the first table read of this movie, and she gave her notes. She loved it. From moment one, I was pitching her different versions of this idea and different ideas we were having, well before we even started writing the script. And she was like, 'This sounds incredible. You have to write this.' And like was so encouraging.”

— Nick Kocher, Writer and Director, 'Pizza Movie'

“She kept pitching that Nebula should be in the movie, and we were just like, 'Karen, come on. You don't need to be everywhere.'”

— Brian McElhaney, Writer and Director, 'Pizza Movie'

What’s next

The film 'Pizza Movie' is set to premiere in 2026, giving audiences a chance to see the comedic collaboration between the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' star and the writing duo.

The takeaway

The personal and creative connection between Karen Gillan and the 'Pizza Movie' filmmakers showcases how relationships in Hollywood can lead to unique projects that blend the talents of established stars with up-and-coming voices in comedy.