Marvel's first Muslim superhero celebrated as new series is teased

Marvel’s first Muslim superhero has been revealed in the official trailer for the upcoming new series, Ms Marvel.

Iman Vellani stars as teenager Kamala Khan, a young girl with a big imagination who loves gaming and writing fanfiction about her super-idols, but feels like a “weirdo” – until she develops super powers like the heroes she idolises.

Stars of Marvel films including Brie Larson, Mark Ruffalo and Kumail Nanjiani have welcomed Khan to the cinematic universe on social media.

Marvel breaks new ground! Love you, @Marvel for reflecting the world we live in. Welcome to the family, Kamala! pic.twitter.com/IkoRkKsZGx

“It’s not really the brown girls from Jersey City that save the world, that’s fantasy too,” Khan says in the clip.

But after developing her powers, she says later in the trailer: “I always thought I wanted this kind of life, but I never imagined any of this” – suggesting it could be more than she bargained for.

A superhero welcome to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Ruffalo, best known by Marvel fans as the Hulk, welcomed Khan to the family and praised Marvel for “reflecting the world we live in”, while Larson, who plays Captain Marvel in the franchise, also shared the trailer and said: “You ARE a superhero, Kamala.”

The Eternals star Nanjiani also shared the clip, saying it “made me feel every positive feeling I am capable of feeling”.

Ms Marvel, which also stars Aramis Knight, Saagar Shaikh, Rish Shah Zenobia Shroff and Mohan Kapur, is set to launch on Disney+ in June.

Marvel releases statement on ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill

Meanwhile, Marvel Studios has said it “strongly denounces” any legislation affecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, following the passing of a controversial bill by US politicians in Florida.

The legislation, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by critics, limits teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity to young children in the state.

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The Walt Disney Company, which owns Marvel, has come under fire for not using its huge influence in the state, home to Walt Disney World, to try to quash the bill.

Republicans who passed the legislation argued it should be parents, not teachers, discussing the issues with children.

Disney chief executive Bob Chapek later suspended the company’s political donations in the state and apologised for the company’s silence.

In a statement, Marvel Studios has now said: “We strongly denounce any and ALL legislation that infringes on the basic human rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Marvel Studios stands for hope, inclusivity and strength; and we proudly stand with the community. Today, we pledge to continue our strong commitment as allies who promote the values of equality, acceptance and respect.”

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