After introducing Moon Knight, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is foraying deeper into Phase 4 with another new superhero – Ms. Marvel. The latest series will launch Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan into the MCU. Marking a series of firsts, the origin story created by Bisha K. Ali will revolve around a Muslim superhero and the first South Asian character (she’s a 16-year-old Pakistani-American) to headline a Marvel title.
Kamala is a part of the next generation of superheroes and she brings in endless possibilities, including a much-talked-about Young Avengers team-up. It’s a big win for representation and for the future of the MCU. But there’s a lot to unpack before we get there.
Ahead of Ms Marvel’s premiere on June 8, Filmfare had the chance to watch the first two episodes. The series has Shah Rukh Khan references, Farhan Akhtar, and Fawad Khan in cameos and moments that will hit home for brown audiences.
Kamala Khan or Ms. Marvel is perhaps the most relatable superhero out there. She is a high schooler from New Jersey and an Avengers fan-fiction-writing Marvel geek. She adores Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel. Kamala is navigating life as a brown girl with conservative parents in the West and the awkwardness of being a teenager when she stumbles upon her superpowers. In the comics, her first appearance was in Ms. Marvel #1 created by Sana Amanat, Stephen Wacker, G.Willow Wilson, Adrian Alphona and Jamie McKelvie. In the comic book run, her powers kick in after coming in contact with green Terrigen Mist. She later finds out that her abilities are linked to her Inhuman genes. Just like the character on the page, the live-action version also wears a bangle as a nod to her cultural heritage. On a meta-level, debut actress Iman Vellani is an avid comic book reader and one can instantly see why she’s perfect for the role.
What are Ms. Marvel’s powers in the comics and are they different in the show?
The Kamala Khan we meet in the show will have a different journey. The series tweaks the source of her powers and the powers in general. Ms. Marvel’s set of abilities is a mixed bag. Her embiggening ability lets her extend her limbs like Mr. Fantastic from the Fantastic Four, she also has healing abilities like Wolverine and she can shrink or enlarge her body like Ant-Man. Moreover, she’s a shape-shifter. In the TV show, however, her embiggening powers seem to be replaced with sparkly purple fists that she projects rather than extending her actual body parts. She’s able to use them when she wears a bangle which is a part of her costume. The bangle itself is an important narrative device in the show as it’s integrated into her family’s backstory. Without spoiling much, it’s safe to say that fans should expect some deviation from the comic books.
Source: filmfare
In other news – Cassper Nyovest pays tribute to SA boxer, Simiso Buthelezi
Cassper Nyovest has reacted to the passing of SA boxer, Simiso Buthelezi. This is coming after the boxer passed away after he was hospitalized following a disturbing fight.
Buthelezi was fighting for the WBF African lightweight title against Siphesihle Mntungwa in Durban’s Greyville Convention Centre on Sunday. Many took to their social media to pay tribute to him. Learn more
