So, you all know we usually get early access to Marvel shows and movies here and there when the Disney team is feeling generous. But this time around, they had a special surprise for us, an invite to the Ms. Marvel red carpet and not just an invite. We had the pleasure of chatting with Iman Vellani, aka Kamala Khan, our Ms. Marvel! Keep reading to see what Iman had to say, and make sure you set your reminder to catch her on Disney+ starting June 8th!
Willow Branco: We got to say you’re a Markham girlie. You’ve been travelling all around the world to promote Ms. Marvel. We’re just days away from the première; how are you feeling about it?
Iman Vellani: I feel like I shot the show yesterday and something went wrong, and now it’s coming on, and it’s really weird, but I’m really happy to be here. Also, in Toronto, just all my friends and family are here, and I’ve, I’ve never invited them into this part of my life. And now it’s going to hit them like a truck, and it’s going to be even more awkward for me. So I’m really nervous, but it doesn’t show, right?
Photo by George Pimentel Photography. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.
Willow Branco: You’re doing absolutely fantastic. I love the fit, the pants, everything is.
Iman Vellani: I thrifted all of it.
Willow Branco: We love to thrift! So the initial reaction to the show has been amazing. It’s been so positive. People love your portrayal of Kamala, and it’s probably really hard. With the pressures of the role and the heavy subject matter like Partition, I’d like to ask, how are you taking care of yourself and your health?
Iman Vellani: That’s a wonderful question; thank you for that. I get really caught up in work, and I feel like if I’m not doing work, I’m doing something wrong. And that’s so not true. That was a bug. Um, but no, I think it’s really important to unwind— therapy’s great. Just finding my comfort shows and bingeing them and just the right music. I go back and rewatch Ironman anytime I need to remind myself that I’m here, so yeah, I have a lot of little go-to things.
Willow Branco: Can I ask quickly, what binge show are you watching right now?
Iman Vellani: BoJack horseman for the sixth time. It’s a very unhealthy obsession, but here we are.
Willow Branco: So I have to ask, who came up with Illumin-Aunties?
Iman Vellani: Ooh, that’s a good question. We had a couple of writers writing at that time, so it could have been either of them, but it’s phenomenal. Kevin loves it; we all loved it when we read it in the script. Yeah, good catch.
Willow Branco: It’s amazing. We love it so much. So I have one final question for you before you get inside. What would you like to say to fans and viewers before they dive into Ms. Marvel?
Iman Vellani: Ooh, I think, I think our show has a very universal charm, you know, with the way that we display fan culture and religion and action and coming of age. So I really do think there’s something there for everyone. I hope Marvel fans are encouraged to continue being fans, and we encourage more fans, and we’re including an entirely new diaspora fans into the MCU. So that’s going to be really exciting. This is hopefully an easy entry point into, you know, MCU, which is now 34 projects in. It could be daunting trying to become a part of the fandom, but there’s space for everyone there. And I hope kids look at Kamala and find comfort in the fact that even she doesn’t have it figured out, and she’s a superhero. So like superpowers, won’t fix all your problems.
Willow Branco: Exactly. One more really quick question. Uh, we’re not going to get into spoilers or anything like that, but if you had any creative control, which Marvel superhero would you like to share the screen with?
Iman Vellani: I think America Chavez. That would be fun. I want to travel to different universes, yeah.
Willow Branco: Yup. Thank you so much for taking the time!
Keshav Kant, aka Mx. KantEven, is a med student tuned Executive Director of Off Colour!
You’ve probably seen her on Twitter and TikTok, both @MxKantEven, or caught her work on Off Colour's many channels.
From consulting on films & shows, manuscript review, conducting interviews, or hosting podcasts & panels, if there is some way to bring sensitivity and authenticity to diversity, inclusion and equity conversations, Keshav will be there.
25-year-old trans, 2-spirit queer obsessed over media, what's new?