Iman Vellani

Iman Vellani
	Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan
Born	3 September 2002
Birthplace	Karachi, Pakistan
Nationality	Pakistani‑Canadian
Occupation	Actress · Comic book writer
Known for	Portraying Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel in the Marvel Cinematic Universe; co‑writing Ms. Marvel comics
Website

Iman Vellani (born 3 September 2002) is a Pakistani‑Canadian actress and comic book writer. She is widely recognized for her breakthrough debut as Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel in the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel (2022) and her reprisal of the role in the film The Marvels (2023). She also made her debut as a comics writer in the Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant limited series (2023), co‑written with Sabir Pirzada.

Early life and education

Vellani was born in Karachi, Pakistan, and moved with her family to Markham, Ontario, Canada when she was about one year old. She was raised in an Ismaili Muslim household and graduated from Unionville High School in Markham. During her junior year, she was selected for the TIFF Next Wave Committee at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival. Vellani had planned to attend Ontario College of Art & Design University, studying integrated media, before her acting career began unexpectedly.

Acting career

In September 2020, Vellani was cast as the lead in Ms. Marvel. Her aunt had forwarded her a casting call via WhatsApp; she sent a self‑tape hours before the deadline, later attending in‑person and virtual auditions. During one Zoom screen test, she revealed herself as an Avengers fangirl with a room full of Marvel memorabilia—impressing executives with her enthusiasm and authenticity.

The six‑episode Ms. Marvel premiered on 8 June 2022 on Disney+, marking her first acting role and earning widespread praise for its representation and her performance. In 2023, she returned as Kamala Khan in the feature film The Marvels, expanding her presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Comics writing

In August 2023, Vellani co‑wrote Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant, a four‑issue limited comic series exploring Kamala Khan’s evolution as both an Inhuman and a mutant. The series was written with Sabir Pirzada, with whom she continued to collaborate on a sequel, Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace, released in 2024. Vellani has described writing the comic as more personally meaningful—and even more intimidating—than her on‑screen debut, treating it like a form of journaling and channeling her own experiences into Kamala’s narrative.

Themes and representation

As a Pakistani‑Canadian who grew up both far from and deeply admiring her cultural heritage, Vellani’s journey mirrors that of her character Kamala Khan. She has spoken about how the role helped her reconnect with Pakistani identity and how her fandom shaped her creative voice. Her dual experience as fan and creator gives Vellani a distinctive authenticity in representing Muslim and South Asian youth in mainstream media.

Filmography

Film

The Marvels (2023) – as Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel

Television

Ms. Marvel (2022, Disney+) – as Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel
A Fan’s Guide to Ms. Marvel (2022) – documentary short, Herself / Kamala Khan
Marvel Studios: Assembled – “The Making of Ms. Marvel” (2022) – documentary special, Herself / Kamala Khan

Theme park / voice

Avengers: Quantum Encounter (2022, Disney Wish cruise) – voice of Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel

Awards and recognition

Saturn Award (2022) – Best Performance by a Younger Actor (Streaming), winner
Critics’ Choice Super Awards (2023) – Best Actress in a Superhero Movie, winner; previous nomination for series category

Selected publications

Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant (2023) – co‑writer
Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace (2024) – co‑writer with Sabir Pirzada

External links

Iman Vellani on IMDb
Interviews with Vogue, Entertainment Weekly, and others discussing her acting and writing journey