Disney+'s "Ms. Marvel" a 1st for Asian superheroes
- Hope King, author of Axios Closer
Iman Vellani as 16-year-old Kamala Khan and "Ms. Marvel." Screenshot: Disney+, Marvel
Reviews are in ahead of the premiere of “Ms. Marvel,” a new show from Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Why it matters: “Ms. Marvel,” the alter ego of a Pakistani-American teen from Jersey City, is the first Muslim superhero from Marvel Studios.
- Asian representation on screen has often been limited to characters who serve as the punchline or butt of a joke, a study of top 10 grossing films from 2010 to 2019 reveals.
Catch up quick: Marvel Comics introduced 16-year-old Kamala Khan, who idolizes Captain Marvel and writes fan fiction about her and other Avengers, in 2013, then got a solo title a year later.
What critics are saying: The show is "Marvel meets Mean Girls,” that’s exceeded some expectations, with star Iman Vellani and the cast noted as being “charismatic” and “fantastic.”
When to watch: The first episode lands on Disney+ at midnight Wednesday June 8.