‘Ms. Marvel’ Makes History for Muslim Representation by Showing ‘the Day-to-Day Life of an American Girl’
When Iman Vellani booked the role of Kamala Khan — the Pakistani American
teen superhero also known as Ms. Marvel — it was the first acting gig for the 19-year-old newcomer.
But in assuming the mantle, Vellani also took on the responsibility of playing
the first titular Muslim superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
“I’m honestly so privileged that Marvel trusts me to bring a character like Kamala to life,”
At the same time, she says, “There’s so much weight that comes with being the first of anything.”
The advice she received from Marvel leadership was simply to be herself.
“They’re like, ‘You don’t go to work thinking that you’re the first Muslim
superhero; you just go to work and have fun,’” Vellani recalls.