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The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to build out its next-generation roster of heroes in Phase Four. And after introducing characters like Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), and Moon Knight (Oscar Isaac), it’s time for MCU fans to meet Ms. Marvel. The new Disney+ series might take some liberties with the source material, but it’s likely to make a star out of Iman Vellani. But what else has the leading lady of Ms. Marvel done before the MCU?

Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan in a scene from Ms. Marvel
Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan in Ms. Marvel | Marvel Studios

Iman Vellani stars as the title hero on ‘Ms. Marvel’

Ms. Marvel tells the story of teen Kamala Khan (Vellani), a superhero fanatic who looks up to Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) and the Avengers. Of course, Kamala soon finds herself developing superpowers of her own. And the Disney+ series sees her come to terms with her new abilities and discover where she fits in when the world is populated with so many heroes.

For the MCU, Ms. Marvel marks not only a step forward for representation – Kamala is a Pakistani-American – but also takes the franchise in a new direction. At this point in the MCU, fans have seen a lot of superhero origin stories. But Ms. Marvel’s sees a cosplayer realize her dreams by actually becoming like the heroes she admires. In that way, Ms. Marvel feels special.

What did the actor do before the Disney+ series?

Much as Kamala Khan brings a fresh energy to the MCU, Vellani is a new face to viewers. And it’s not because they missed all the work she’s done prior to landing Ms. Marvel. In fact, according to her IMDb profile, the Disney+ series marks Vellani’s first major credit. She actually landed the role of Kamala Khan at the tail end of her high school years. 

Vellani is also as much of a fan of Marvel heroes as her character. Apparently, her passion for the Avengers is what helped secure her the role. And in 2021, the actor uploaded a short film titled I don’t wanna b alone :( to Vimeo. And of course, she focuses on her love for all things Marvel. It seems the MCU couldn’t have hoped for a better star for their Ms. Marvel series.

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‘Ms. Marvel’: Kevin Feige Addresses the Controversy Surrounding Kamala’s Powers

Iman Vellani returns in the 2023 film ‘The Marvels’

Ms. Marvel might be the first time Vellani gets the chance to prove herself on screen. But it definitely won’t be the last. Kamala Khan has already been confirmed to have a major role in The Marvels, the upcoming sequel to 2019’s Captain Marvel. The film will naturally mark Larson’s return to the role of Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel.

However, this time Larson will share the spotlight with Vellani and Teyonah Parris, who will reprise her MCU role as Monica Rambeau. On WandaVision, that character – the daughter of Carol’s best friend Maria (Lashana Lynch) – developed superpowers of her own. Though plot details remain a mystery, The Marvels is currently set for release on July 28, 2023.

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