'Ms Marvel is a special character because she stands for representation', says director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

Marvel Cinematic Universe has introduced its South-Asian superhero in Marvel Studios’ 'Ms Marvel', with new episodes dropping every week.

The highly-appreciated series introduces Pakistani-Canadian debutant Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan, aka Ms Marvel, a teenage superhero who is thrust into a remarkably rich, new mythology that takes her to exciting places where she discovers truths about her past and family. An avid gamer and a voracious fan-fiction scribe growing up in New Jersey, Kamala is a superhero megafan with an oversized imagination— particularly when it comes to Captain Marvel. After feeling like a misfit at school and sometimes even at home, her life takes a new turn as she is bestowed with superpowers that change her life forever.

Being MCU’s first-ever South-Asian superhero, the character of Kamala Khan holds a special meaning, feels director Sharmeen Obaid-Shinoy as she talks about what Ms Marvel signifies to her and why this character is more than just a run-of-the-mill superhero.

“Ms Marvel is a very special character because she stands for representation,” says Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. “It is so important in the world today, and I want my daughters to grow up and feel that they too can do anything they set their hearts to. Ms Marvel is a Super Hero for so many people beyond the Marvel fandom. She represents something that we’ve never seen on screen before, and as a Pakistani filmmaker, it is a dream to be able to bring the character to life.”

She discusses why directing 'Ms Marvel' was an exceptionally enriching and emotional experience for her. “Ms Marvel has something for everyone,” concludes director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. “It was an honour and a privilege to be part of a team that brings to life the first Muslim female superhero into the world. Many years from now, I will look back at this and know we did something that mattered and was important. And in doing so, hopefully, we will enable and inspire many young women around the world to become superheroes in their own communities and leave a lasting impact on so many people.”

Iman Vellani makes her acting debut as Ms Marvel and is supported by a diverse and deeply talented supporting cast, including Farhan Akthar, Mohan Kapur, Matt Lintz, Yasmeen Fletcher, Zenobia Shroff, Saagar Shaikh and Rish Shah as Kamran, Mehwish Hayat, Samina Ahmed, Laurel Marsden, Arian Moayed, Adaku Ononogbo, Alysia Reiner, Azhar Usman, Laith Nakli, Nimra Bucha and Travina Springer, with Aramis Knight.

The series has been directed by Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah, Meera Mohan and two-time Academy Award® winner Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy with Bisha K Ali as the head writer. Meanwhile, along with Sana Amanat, the series has been executive produced by Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum, Adil & Bilall and Bisha K Ali.