There’s another Kamala in town. In another win for South Asian representation, actor Iman Vellani has been cast as Ms. Marvel, aka Kamala Khan, for the upcoming Disney+ series, a Deadline exclusive reports.
Vellani will also go on to play Ms. Marvel in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s future films.
According to Deadline, Vellani will play Marvel Studios ‘first onscreen Muslim hero.’ Ms. Marvel is a New Jersey-based Pakistani American teen and was Marvel’s first Muslim comic book character.
Vellani is a newcomer to the big screen, The Hollywood Reporter reports. The Canadian actor has been active on the Toronto scene and was part of a Toronto International Film Festival committee highlighting films that ‘[spoke] to teenagers.’
“We want stories from different genders and different countries and different people,” Vellani said about the committee, The Hollywood Reporter reports.
Vellani’s casting was met with support and excitement, Deadline reports. Comedian Kumail Nanjiani tweeted: “I just saw they cast Ms. Marvel and legit got teary eyed. Congratulations Iman Vellani! Your work is going to mean so much to so many people, myself included. I can’t wait.”
Actor and producer Mindy Kaling also joined the fray, tweeting, “What a joy in these trying times to see that #MsMarvel (a Pakistani American teen superhero!) has cast its lead role, a young actress named Iman Vellani! Congrats to you! I can’t wait to see the show!”
Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Meera Menon will be the directors for the series, Deadline reports.
Marvel’s announcement coincides with rumors regarding its upcoming film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, ComicBookMovie.com reports.
Shang-Chi is the ‘first Marvel movie to star an Asian American hero, along with a predominantly Asian cast,’ as AsAmNews previously reported.
According to ComicBookMovie.com, the cast is possibly filming at a ‘huge set, in Sydney, Australia that doubles as ‘The Valley of the Sleeping Dragon, a location best known as Fin Fang Foom’s lair.’
The rumor also provides clues on actor Michele Yeoh’s unconfirmed role, and it’s likely that she will be a protector of the nearby village.
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