Iman Vellani

Iman Vellani, born on August 12, 2002, is a talented Canadian actress who garnered widespread recognition for her portrayal of Kamala Khan in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) miniseries Ms. Marvel (2022) and the film The Marvels (2023). Her captivating performance as Khan has earned her praise from audiences and critics alike.


Vellani's involvement as Khan extends beyond the screen, as she has also portrayed the character in various other Disney productions. Additionally, she has showcased her versatility and creativity by co-writing two limited series centered around Ms. Marvel.
With her compelling portrayal and dedication to her craft, Iman Vellani has solidified her place as a rising star in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with her talent and charm.


Iman Vellani's early life was marked by a move from Karachi, Pakistan to Canada at the age of one. Raised within the vibrant cultural tapestry of Canada, she embraced her Shia Ismaili Muslim heritage. Completing her education at Unionville High School in Markham, Ontario, Vellani demonstrated her passion for the arts and cinema.


In recognition of her talents and dedication, Vellani was chosen to be a member of the TIFF Next Wave Committee at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival in 2019. Her commitment to the cinematic arts was evident even before her breakthrough role in Ms. Marvel.


Despite her promising future in integrated media, with plans to attend the Ontario College of Art & Design University, fate intervened as she was cast in the role of Ms. Marvel at the culmination of her high school journey. This pivotal moment redirected her path towards the bright lights of Hollywood, where she continues to make waves with her talent and dedication.


In September 2020, the exciting news broke that Iman Vellani had landed the role of Kamala Khan, the beloved Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero, for Marvel Studios and Disney+'s streaming television miniseries, Ms. Marvel. Vellani's journey to this iconic role began when her aunt forwarded her a casting call. She eagerly submitted a self-tape audition before being invited to audition in person in Los Angeles. Following this, she underwent two screen tests—one in February and another virtually over Zoom in June. During her Zoom screen test, Vellani's genuine passion for the Marvel universe shone through, as she revealed her own Avengers fandom to Sana Amanat, the co-creator of Kamala Khan, who served as an executive producer on the series.


On June 8, 2022, Ms. Marvel made its debut on Disney+, marking Vellani's captivating onscreen debut. Her portrayal of the titular character received widespread acclaim, with critics praising her performance and noting her embodiment of Kamala Khan's true spirit. The series concluded on July 13, 2022, after six episodes, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating more of Vellani's portrayal of the beloved character.


Following her success in Ms. Marvel, Vellani reprised her role as Kamala Khan in the 2023 film The Marvels, a sequel to Captain Marvel. Despite polarizing reviews for the film, Vellani's performance was universally acclaimed, with critics hailing her as the standout among the cast.


Continuing her involvement in the Marvel universe, Vellani will voice an animated version of Kamala Khan for Disney+'s Marvel Zombies, further cementing her status as a rising star in the entertainment industry. With her talent, charisma, and dedication, Iman Vellani continues to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the world of superhero storytelling.


In August 2023, Iman Vellani ventured into the realm of comic writing, making her debut with the four-issue limited series titled Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant. Co-written by Sabir Pirzada, who also contributed to the limited series Dark Web: Ms. Marvel and an episode of the Ms. Marvel show, the series delves into Ms. Marvel's exploration of her newfound dual heritage as both an Inhuman and a mutant. In this exciting storyline, Ms. Marvel embarks on a journey to embrace her identity while also becoming a member of the X-Men.


Critics and fans alike praised Vellani's handling of the character's new status quo, noting her deep knowledge and love for Kamala Khan, which shines through in her writing. Lia Williamson of AIPT commended Vellani for her ability to turn challenges into opportunities, describing her passion for Kamala Khan as robust and evident throughout her writing.


Following the success of The New Mutant, it was announced in November 2023 that a sequel four-issue limited series titled Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace would follow, with Vellani and Pirzada returning as writers. The anticipation for this continuation of Ms. Marvel's story is high, with the first issue scheduled for release in March 2024. With her talent and passion for storytelling, Iman Vellani continues to expand her creative horizons and make a significant impact in the world of comics.

References

1.  "'The Marvels' Star Iman Vellani Talks That Final Scene and 'Ms. Marvel' Season 2". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
2. ^ "Iman Vellani | Ms. Marvel | Disney+". Marvel Entertainment. March 16, 2022. Archived from the original on November 15, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2022 – via YouTube.
3. ^ "Iman Vellani on embracing Pakistani roots". The Express Tribune. June 9, 2022. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
4. ^ Ranger, Michael (September 30, 2020). "Markham teen cast as Disney's Ms. Marvel". CityNews. Archived from the original on October 1, 2020. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
5. ^ Moeslein, Anna (June 22, 2022). "Nobody Could Have Played Ms. Marvel but Iman Vellani". Glamour. Archived from the original on July 14, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
6. ^ Thorne, Will (September 30, 2020). "'Ms. Marvel' Disney Plus Series Casts Iman Vellani in Title Role". Variety. Archived from the original on October 2, 2020.
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9. a b Milheim, Russ (November 28, 2023). "Marvel's Upcoming R-Rated Zombies Show Gets Exciting Update from Star (Exclusive)". The Direct. Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
10. a b Williamson, Lia (November 9, 2023). "Ms. Marvel, mutants, and the MCU problem: how Iman Vellani is writing the path forward". AIPT Comics. Archived from the original on November 12, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
11. a b c "Iman Vellani Returns to Ms. Marvel for Mutant Menace Series". ComicBook.com. November 29, 2023. Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
12. ^ Itzkoff, Dave (June 6, 2022). "'Ms. Marvel' Introduces a New Hero (and a New Actress)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on February 10, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
13. ^ Nolan, Emma (October 1, 2020). "Who is Iman Vellani? 'Ms. Marvel' Casts First Muslim Superhero Kamala Khan". Newsweek. Archived from the original on October 2, 2020.
14. ^ Khan, Coco (June 6, 2022). "'This show is so monumental!' Iman Vellani on playing Marvel's first Muslim superhero". The Guardian. Archived from the original on June 6, 2022. Retrieved June 7, 2022.