Ms. Marvel will showcase Iman Vellani's debut as the MCU's Kamala Khan, with the show serving as a stepping stone for the character's bright future in the interconnected franchise. The upcoming Disney+ series will explore Kamala's unique origin story, but it is also expected to set up the young hero's role in her big-screen debut alongside Brie Larson's Captain Marvel in The Marvels.
So far, Phase 4 has been filling up with new heroes, such as Moon Knight, Shang-Chi, She-Hulk, the Mighty Thor, and Ms. Marvel. However, it is still unknown how every character fits into the puzzle that is the MCU future. Despite that, the direction of Kamala's future is crystal clear as her character is expected to be fleshed out even further, already teased to be heading towards the cosmos.
Now, significant information about Vellani's MCU future has been revealed in a new interview.
Ms. Marvel's Huge MCU Role Teased
Ms. Marvel executive producer and writer Bisha K. Ali sat down with USA Today to talk about what lies ahead for Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan.
Ali said that it's "quite thrilling" to showcase Kamala's debut alongside "this next wave of MCU heroes," which includes Xochitl Gomez's America Chavez and Letitia Wright's Shuri. The Marvel writer shared that the trio are "the future protectors of the world and the new stories that we need to tell," potentially implying that they will be the focus in the franchise's Phase 5 and beyond:
"It is indicative of a really hopeful future where it’s about togetherness rather than division. She’s going to play a big part in that.”
In the same report, it was revealed that Vellani is the teenage daughter of Pakistani immigrants who adores comic books and everything Marvel-related, similar to her on-screen character, Kamala Khan. While her MCU character is a huge fan of Captain Marvel, the young actress noted that Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark is her all-time favorite.
Vellani pointed out that "being a part of the Marvel fandom just makes you feel like you're a part of something," while also admitting that she'd seen the first Iron Man movie "a hundred million times:"
"As cheesy as it sounds, being a part of the Marvel fandom just makes you feel like you’re a part of something, and isn’t that kind of what we all want? It’s comfortable, it’s what we know. I can’t do my taxes, but I’ve seen ‘Iron Man 1’ a hundred million times.”
This isn't the first time that Vellani expressed his love for the Armored Avenger. Back when she was confirmed to portray Kamala Khan, the young actress also revealed that she's a big Iron Man fan.
Vellani also unveiled how Kamala adjusts to becoming a superhero, saying that her character "just copies everything that she sees online:"
“She doesn’t really know how to fight, so she just copies everything that she sees online.”
The Ms. Marvel lead star said that she's been “practicing my super pose since I was 10. I got it in the bag.” Still, the first time she first noticed Kamala, Vellani shared that she "felt so seen:"
“When you think of comic book readers, you never think of the brown girl, and I was that. Kamala just represents everything about nerd culture. She’s a fan just like us, which is why we root for her when she gets her powers.”
The Bright Future of Iman Vellani's Kamala
Bisha K. Ali's latest comment about Kamala Khan's MCU future is a positive development, mainly because it indicates that the character will likely serve as one of the anchors of the franchise in Phase 5. This could mean that the character's adventures in Ms. Marvel and The Marvels are expected to lay out the groundwork for that bright future.
Kamala serving as one of the pillars of the MCU in Phase 5 is a natural progression for the character. By the time Phase 4 ends, it's reasonable to assume that Kamala has already found her identity as a full-fledged hero, meaning that she has what it takes to stand side by side not just with Captain Marvel, but also with the rest of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
Iman Vellani's immense passion for the MCU is also a welcome advantage for the franchise's future. The actress has been vocal about her support for the Marvel universe, and this will likely carry over to her performance on-screen in the years to come.
Vellani's debut as the titular hero will likely serve as a strong beacon of representation for the franchise. Also, seeing her alongside other strong female members of the MCU like America Chavez and Mighty Thor might eventually inspire fans everywhere, thus sending a message that anyone can be a hero in their own right.
Ms. Marvel is set to premiere on Disney+ on June 8.
