When it comes to building the elaborate, ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, one of the big keys to the whole super-heroic foundation is great casting. Considering that many of the actors involved are signed one for more-than-one in-house project, including blockbuster movies and upcoming streaming shows, you need to find a talented actor or actress who brings the comic book character to life. You need to cast a winning performer who will warmly endear audiences with their wits and charisma. You need someone who fits the part and fits it well.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has already done a great job at casting great actors for a number of these recognizable characters. Now, the MCU needs to find their Kamala Khan, i.e. Ms. Marvel. With the character getting her own streaming series on Disney+, it's up to the producers to find the right actress for the high-profile part. While there's a good chance that they have some names in mind already, we would like to offer our services.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, however, we should explain who Ms. Marvel is, for readers who might be unfamiliar with the character. Kamala Khan is a 16-year-old Pakistani-American girl who lives in New Jersey. She's smart, good-natured teenager who isn't necessarily the most popular girl in school but she dreams of something bigger than her high school days. She idolizes Carol Danvers and eventually, she finds herself in a shocking turn-of-events that finds her assuming her idol's powers. Early reports suggest that this is the direction they're heading towards in the casting process, so this is what we kept in mind in our selection process.
It's possible casting has been done for this exciting role, but nothing has been announced yet. As of January, Disney was reportedly looking to cast a Pakistani-American for the role, so most of the actresses on our list are of Pakistani descent. Without further ado, here are our picks!
Sophia Taylor Ali
Notably through roles in Grey's Anatomy and Blumhouse's surprise box office hit, Truth or Dare, Sophia Taylor Ali continues to rise in her profile. The TV and film actress has been working consistently for years now, notably with shows like Faking It, The Mindy Project, and Shake It Up, but she continues to prove herself in a variety of different genres and projects, even ones that aren't as good as her work. The Pakistani-American actress has showcased a talent for playing bright, determined characters with vibrant inner lives. That'd work wonderfully in Ali's favor if she was got the role of Kamala Khan.
Sumbul Iqbal
A talented soap actress who proved her talents in 2010's Mera Kwab Raiza Raiza and 2012's Raju Rocket, the latter through which she won Best Soap Actress at the first annual Hum Awards, Sumbul Iqbal has certainly demonstrated a great showcase of her dramatic talents, which she can bring to the forefront in Ms. Marvel. An actress who can bring out a rich inner life of their character is something worth admiring, and Iqbal would certainly be able to pack a punch through all the emotional arcs found throughout this streaming series. The Pakistani television actress isn't quite a household name in the United States yet, but that could certainly change if she were given an opportunity to play Kamala Khan, i.e. Ms. Marvel, in this promising TV series.
Sonya Hussyn
A proven talent of the big and small screen, Sonya Hussyn is likely best known for her role as a British Pakistani journalist in the 2018 film Azaadi, but she has also established herself throughout a healthy career in Pakistan's television industry. Namely, through her role in the period drama Angaan. She remains a strong dramatic talent that hasn't made the leap in the U.S. just yet. But that would change if Hussyn got a chance to shine as Ms. Marvel.
Mawra Hocane
Through her work in several different Pakistani serials, Mawra Hocane has become a popular and celebrated rising actress. Most notably through her performances in Nikhar Gaye Gulab Sare and Ek Tamanna Lahasil Si, as well as her debut film, Sanam Teri Kasam, Hocane has made sure her presence is known in the industry. Alas, a few years back in Hindustan Times, Hocane mentioned that she was looking to expand her horizons and explore a few new roles beyond her typical acting roles. If she made the big leap into the United States with this coveted Marvel role, Mawra Hocane would certainly be expanding her reach and hopefully proving herself along the way. It might be time for the 27-year-old Pakistani actress to make a splash stateside.
Geraldine Viswanathan
Through her breakout role in 2018's Blockers, Geraldine Viswantathan has proven herself to be a bright, charming scene-stealer who should earn her own star vehicle. Thankfully, she would have that opportunity if she were cast in the role of Kamala Khan. As seen through her charming work on TBS' wacky, under-seen anthology series, Miracle Workers, Viswanathan knows how to warm up the screen with her winning personality and sharp comedic talents. But as she also proved in her outstanding performance playing a Pakistani-American teen in Hala, she has dramatic chops as well, which will definitely come in handy. While she doesn't have as much action experience, she has the talents, charisma, and sparking personality to give Kamala Khan a winning introduction to the MCU.
The 24-year-old actress has also talked about the possibility of playing Khan in the past. The Australian actress also showed us that she can play a smart, rebellious high schooler in her aforementioned Blockers supporting turn, which should be a great showcase for how she'd excel in this part.
Zoha Rahman
Even though she has already been cast in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with an appearance in Spider-Man: Far From Home, there has been a rally of support for Zoha Rahman to play a part in Disney+'s forthcoming Ms. Marvel. There is currently a petition on Change.org with close to 2,500 signatures and growing at the time of this reporting, and she discussed the possibility of playing the part in an interview with Teen Vogue, expressing interest in the project. While Rahman's previous role in the MCU might possibly interfere with her taking over a different character in the same universe, there's always the possibility of a crossover or the chance that the 27-year-old Pakistani actress-model could play another part. Suffice to say, there's some social media interest in making that happen.
These are just a handful of the exceptionally talented young actresses who could do wonders in the role of Kamala Khan in Disney+'s forthcoming Ms. Marvel series. Certainly, the folks at Marvel have proven themselves well-versed in the art of casting. So, there's little doubt that they'll pick an actress who is capable of bringing this dynamic character to life on the screen. But if they're still looking for a few performers who'll shine bright in this exciting new show, we hope these potential candidates end up on their radars. But what do you think? Which actress would you love to see play Kamala Khan in this new streaming series? Let us know your picks in the comment section. We'll keep you updated on all the newest developments with this show!
