Ms. Marvel featuring MCU’s newcomer Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan has been showered with praises in early reactions after the Disney Plus series’ UK premiere. What’s more, the 19-year-old actor was also on the red carpet sharing her experience playing a 16-year-old Pakistani American, representing Muslim culture as well as a teenager’s POV to becoming a superhero like Captain Marvel. In fact, the young star gushingly spoke of her friendship with Brie Larson, who’s set to reprise her MCU powerhouse role in The Marvels.
Ms. Marvel series was the talk of the town since Marvel released a sizzle reel with Chief Kevin Feige, Loki writer and the Ms. Marvel show creator Bisha K. Ali & others teasing what Kamala Khan will bring to the table in MCU Phase 4. But also assures it’s a coming of age story exploring her journey juggling with family, friendship and the young superhero’s newfound cosmic abilities. Speaking to journalists at the London premiere, Vellani shared her excitement in playing the Marvel character she grew up reading in the comics. At one point, she also stated “the comics meant the world to me”
When asked what it means to her for bringing Kamala Khan to the live-action the star got candid.“I want people to feel less lonely whether you’re a fan of the Avengers, or a Pakistani or Muslim or a kid trying to figure out your place in the world, everything, Kamala is such a universal character and a lot of people can relate to her.” While speaking about performing scenes as Kamala with her cosmic powers, Vellani highlighted elements that showed her innocence as a 16-year-old when she tries to find her own fighting style but has no combat knowledge. So she rather relies on her fandom knowledge, performing Black Widow & Captain Marvel’s poses.
In another interview, Vellani was also asked about her friendship with Larson and the Ms. Marvel star was in sheer excitement she could interact with Captain Marvel 2 actor at any given time. The anticipated sequel, The Marvels is also expected to feature the young superhero alongside others like Teyonah Parris’ Monica Rambeau, etc.
The Ms. Marvel trailer initially left MCU fans divided over the series reportedly stepping away from the comic origin’s Inhumans connection. From the looks of it, Kamala gets her energy manipulating powers from the bracelets. But her comic iteration showed her shapeshifting abilities instead of projecting a Green Lantern-type of energy source. Though it does not seem to affect the narrative, Ms. Marvel’s reviews are already in or at least the early social media reviews and many are applauding the show’s similar appeal and relatability as Peter Parker/Spider-Man.
“This show is a love letter to the fans,” as Vellani described it in the above interview so its looking more likely the series will receive the same reaction as Moon Knight when it streams on June 8 on Disney Plus.
