Scottish actress Karen Gillan has landed a starring role in the follow-up to 1990s blockbuster Jumanji.

The 28-year-old, who rose to prominence in Doctor Who, will be starring alongside Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Kevin Hart in the production.

Her co-stars took to Instagram to welcome her appointment, which comes after her appearance in the 2014 box office hit, Guardians of the Galaxy.

Production for the Sony film, which will also star Jack Black and Nick Jonas, is due to start in Hawaii next month.

It is a sequel to the 1995 movie starring the late Robin Williams about a magical board game which unleashes a world of adventure for two siblings.

Johnson, who was recently named the highest paid actor of 2016 by Forbes magazine, said Inverness-born Gillan had secured "the most important role of the movie".

He wrote on Instagram: "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm proud to announce a girl who's playing the most important role in our movie - the talented, beautiful and down for a Scottish fight at any time, @karengillanofficial.

"And yes, this is the girl who is so bad ass she shaved her freaking head for Guardians of the Galaxy.

"We start production next month in Hawaii and as many of you already know, this isn't a remake or reboot, but a continuation of the awesome Jumanji story we love."

His co-star Hart also congratulated Gillan on landing the role.

He wrote: "I want to welcome @karengillanofficial to our Jumanji family. This is such an incredible role and we are so lucky to have such an amazingly talented actress to play the part.

"Congrats....I can't wait to get to work. This movie is shaping up to be something really special!"