Iman Vellani Shares the Most Thrilling Aspect of Ms. Marvel Embracing Her Mutant Identity

Iman Vellani Shares the Most Thrilling Aspect of Ms. Marvel Embracing Her Mutant Identity

The revelation of Ms. Marvel's mutant abilities introduces an entirely new set of challenges for both the series' writer and the star of The Marvels, Iman Vellani.

Iman Vellani, the actress portraying Ms. Marvel, recently discussed her enthusiasm for exploring her character's mutant abilities. In a departure from the comics, The Marvels actress is now crafting "Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant," delving into Kamala Khan's journey as an X-Men member. Ahead of the official announcement, Marvel.com had the opportunity to interview Vellani about her thoughts on penning the initial chapters of Kamala Khan's venture into the X-Men fold. This significant shift triggered extensive conversations across social media, reminiscent of similar impactful revelations within the MCU. Nonetheless, the theme of grappling with identity has consistently woven itself into the character's narrative, rendering this mutation storyline a fitting progression. Vellani herself was profoundly moved by the passionate reactions to this revelation, noting the remarkable resonance of Kamala Khan's character. Despite the fervent social media discussions surrounding the announcement, Vellani acknowledges that many opinions were formed without knowledge of the full story context.

Vellani expressed her excitement, stating, "This is undeniably monumental! It's incredibly gratifying that Kamala's character holds such significance that this evolution carries such weight. The outpouring of reactions on social media, even before the story's details were available, was astonishing. It's heartening to see people so invested, recognizing that their judgment should ideally be reserved until they're privy to the complete narrative."

She continued, "I was personally thrilled by the prospect. Embracing Kamala as a mutant is an exhilarating avenue. I'll admit, I wasn't deeply familiar with the extensive X-Men comics catalogue, and that initial lack of familiarity was a bit intimidating. Consequently, I embarked on an intensive exploration of all things X-Men, immersing myself in the universe to identify my favorite characters and storylines. Throughout this process, the works of Grant Morrison and [Jonathan] Hickman emerged as my guiding beacons."

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Ms. Marvel's Skill in Navigating Diverse Identities within the Comics

In a manner reminiscent of her portrayal within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Kamala Khan finds herself adept at navigating the multifaceted aspects of her identity. However, for Iman Vellani, the actress portraying her, the concept of labels becomes yet another burden that she must confront. Kamala, also known as Ms. Marvel, holds a profound admiration for the Marvel universe in her fictional existence. Yet, this enthusiasm stands in stark contrast to the challenges of embracing her newfound identity as a Mutant. This transition is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the trajectory of the young heroine in the upcoming series "Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant."

Reflecting on this evolution, Vellani commented to Marvel.com, "Exploring this facet of her character was an absolute delight. Kamala has already grappled with an array of labels throughout her journey. She has been an Avenger, an Inhuman, a Champion, all while embodying her Pakistani and Muslim heritage." Vellani further expounded, "Initially, Kamala perceives being a mutant as merely another tag to append to her extensive list of identities. She is of the belief that her possession of the X-gene is inconsequential, given that it has always been a part of her. However, her realization dawns that the fresh costume and its novel colors carry a weight far more profound than she initially comprehended."

"The perception of Ms. Marvel by the global populace undergoes a dramatic and jarring transformation. For the first time, Kamala becomes acquainted with the bitter taste of being regarded as a malevolent force, an adversary. This perception crystallizes especially following the tumultuous Hellfire Gala, which contributes to the prevailing animosity towards mutants—an abhorrent reality!" Vellani emphasized, "In our narrative, Kamala is enrolled at Empire State University, wherein she is embroiled in a program sponsored by Orchis—an arrangement that proves to be exceedingly arduous for her, to say the least."

What's in Store for Ms. Marvel on the Big Screen?

In the upcoming film "The Marvels," slated to hit theaters on November 10th, viewers will witness the next chapter in Carol Danvers' journey as Captain Marvel, portrayed by Brie Larson. Having successfully reclaimed her identity from the oppressive Kree regime and settled her score with the enigmatic Supreme Intelligence, Carol finds herself facing unforeseen repercussions that ripple across the universe.

As she navigates her newfound responsibilities, Carol's path leads her to traverse an anomalous wormhole, a gateway connected to a Kree revolutionary. Unexpectedly, her formidable powers become intertwined with those of two other remarkable individuals: Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), the exuberant Ms. Marvel and devoted fan from Jersey City, and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), Carol's estranged niece who now serves as a pioneering S.A.B.E.R. astronaut.

This unlikely trio must rise above their differences and learn to collaborate seamlessly, pooling their distinct strengths to confront a peril that jeopardizes the very fabric of existence. Together, they assume the mantle of "The Marvels," embarking on a mission to safeguard the universe from imminent destruction. The film also heralds the return of beloved characters such as Nick Fury, played by Samuel L. Jackson, along with Saagar Shaikh as Aamir Khan, Zenobia Shroff as Muneeba Khan, and Mohan Kapur as Yusuf Khan. Additionally, the cast welcomes new talents including Zawe Ashton, Park Seo-joon, and Shamier Anderson.

Crafted by Marvel Studios, "The Marvels" is helmed by director Nia DaCosta and features a captivating narrative penned by DaCosta herself, alongside the creative input of Megan McDonnell and Elissa Karasik. Anticipation runs high as this cinematic endeavor promises a thrilling exploration of power, unity, and heroism on an intergalactic scale.