Iman Vellani

Last Updated: October 27, 2023

Iman Vellani (/ɪˈmɑːn vəˈlɑːni/) is a Canadian actress and comic book writer known for her portrayal of Kamala Khan in the Disney+ miniseries “Ms. Marvel” (2022).

Born: 3 September 2002 (age 21)
Birthplace: Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Nationality: Canadian-Pakistani
Education: Unionville High School
Occupation: Actress, Comic Book Writer
Years active: 2019–present

Early Life
Iman Vellani was born in Karachi, Pakistan, and moved to Canada at the age of one. She was raised as a Shia Ismaili Muslim. Vellani completed her education at Unionville High School in Markham, Ontario. In 2019, she was selected as a member of the TIFF Next Wave Committee at the Toronto International Film Festival. Interestingly, before her breakthrough role in “Ms. Marvel,” Vellani had planned to attend the Ontario College of Art & Design University with a focus on integrated media.

Career
Iman Vellani’s career took a remarkable turn when she was cast as Kamala Khan, a Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero, for the Disney+ miniseries “Ms. Marvel.” Her journey to this pivotal role was unique. She learned about the casting call from her aunt and submitted a self-tape, which led to auditions in Los Angeles. Her audition process included both in-person and virtual screen tests. Notably, during her Zoom screen test, Vellani revealed her fangirl status as an Avengers enthusiast, which resonated with Kamala Khan’s character.

The Disney+ series “Ms. Marvel” premiered on June 8, 2022, marking Vellani’s onscreen debut. Her portrayal of the title character received widespread praise. Critics and audiences alike celebrated her performance, with many noting her embodiment of the spirit of Kamala Khan. The series consisted of six episodes and concluded on July 13, 2022.

Iman Vellani’s journey in the MCU continues with her role as Kamala Khan in the 2023 film “The Marvels,” a sequel to “Captain Marvel.” She is also set to lend her voice to an animated version of Kamala Khan in Disney+’s “Marvel Zombies.”

In a fascinating turn, Vellani ventured into comic writing, co-authoring the limited series “Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant.” This series explores Ms. Marvel’s dual heritage as an Inhuman and a mutant, as she becomes a member of the X-Men.

Iman Vellani’s rising star in the entertainment industry is marked by her groundbreaking role as Kamala Khan and her contribution to both the cinematic and comic book worlds.