Comic book creator Sana Amanat has recently explained why she is so certain that Ms. Marvel star Iman Vellani is the absolute perfect match to portray the beloved character, Kamala Khan. Amanat is the Director of Content and Character Development at Marvel Entertainment, where it’s her duty to deliver superheroes that she fully believes audiences will resonate with deeply.
She first brought the character of Kamala/Khan/Ms. Marvel to the comics with the assistance of editor Stephen Wacker and screenwriter G. Willow Wilson, alongside artists Adrian Alphona and Jamie McKelvie. Kamala made her first introduction to fans when she appeared in 2013’s Captain Marvel No. 14. From there, Kamala would become so popular that she eventually landed the lead role in her own comic book series, under her famous superhero alter ego.
In the comic books, Kamala Khan is a teenage Pakistani-American living in New Jersey, when she discovers dormant superhero abilities after the events of the “Inhumanity” plot awaken the Inhuman genes within her own body. Kamala Khan has the ability to shape-shift instantaneously, and she ends up taking on the mantle of Ms. Marvel after she becomes aware that her favorite superhero, Carol Danvers, took over the Captain Marvel mantle from Mar-Vell. Since her emerging status in the comic book sphere and making several appearances in a plethora of animated shows and video games, Kamala/Ms. Marvel is now making her live-action debut in her own MCU series. In the height of all the anticipation and excitement, Empire recently sat down with the creative team behind Disney Plus' Ms. Marvel in order to get a sneak peek of what fans can expect from the iconic character’s journey.
Amanat, who was heavily responsible for bringing the character of Kamala to life, revealed her thoughts on the process of casting Vellani for the role. "She showed me every corner of her room, and it was covered with Avengers. Then she said, ‘Oh wait, I’m not done,’ opened up her closet, and there was more Marvel everywhere," Amanat recalled. The Ms. Marvel co-creator then explained why Vellani's energy and teenage enthusiasm were perfect for the character, who is not the "traditional Avenger" fans have to come to know. "She’s not as slick and suave as some superheroes. It’s not like when Captain America throws his shield, and it comes back - she’s all over the place. I’m excited for people to get to know her.”
Kamala Khan has more power under her sleeve than many fans may know. She has broken down many barriers when it comes to the representation of South Asians within the MCU. Kamala is officially the first Muslim female superhero to ever lead a comic book series. In fact, MCU’s famous 2021 film, Eternals, was actually the first time fans were ever introduced to a South Asian superhero (Kingo who was played by Pakistani-American actor Kumali Nanjiani).
Things seem to be finally changing when it comes to the MCU branching out in terms of ensuring that their superheroes are diverse, yet complex - not chained to racial stereotypes or not being allowed to still be fully developed, multidimensional beings. South Asians in particular have been waiting for so long to finally see their stories, faces, and power being reflected back to them within the Marvel Cinematic Universe - the time is now.
Vellani is clearly a die-hard Marvel fan at her core, and Amanat seems to suggest that her more carefree, child-like spirit is exactly what is needed to bring the essence of Kamala to the forefront. Amanat couldn’t be more thrilled to have Vellani portraying Kamala, and she seems more than confident that fans will truly fall in love with her as well. Audiences can look forward to meeting Vellani and witnessing her series debut with Ms. Marvel this summer.
Ms. Marvel is scheduled to be released on Disney Plus on June 8, 2022.
Source: Empire