Ushna Shah thanks Marvel for casting Pakistani-Canadian as Ms. Marvel

Shah recalled how she believed there wouldn't be major roles for ethnic girls earlier

The news of newcomer Iman Vellani being cast as Ms. Marvel for Marvel's Disney+ series has taken fans of Marvel by storm, including actor Ushna Shah. 

Shah, who grew up in Canada shared Pakistani-American actor Kumail Nanjiani's tweet, adding her own sentiments to the moment. "I recall being five and told in Canada that there wouldn't be major roles for girls who looked like me (ethnic). I was shattered," shared Shah. She went on to add how happy she is at the news of Vellani's breakthrough casting. 

"This has made me so happy for the next generation of girls who DO look like me. Thank you, Marvel," she added. 

What he said! I recal being 5 & told in Canada that there wouldnt be major roles for girls who looked like me (ethnic). I was shattered. This has made me so happy for the next generation of girls who DO look like me. Thank you @Marvel https://t.co/3FIFIGr998

— Ushna Shah (@ushnashah) October 1, 2020

Nanjiani, who will next be seen in Marvel's The Eternals, had tweeted, "I just saw they cast Ms. Marvel and legit got teary-eyed. Congratulations Iman Vellani! Your work is going to mean so much to so many people, myself included. I can’t wait." 

I just saw they cast Ms. Marvel and legit got teary eyed.

Congratulations Iman Vellani! Your work is going to mean so much to so many people, myself included. I can’t wait.

— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) September 30, 2020

Ms. Marvel revolves around the story of Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teen based in New Jersey. Ms. Marvel first appeared in 2014 as Marvel’s first Muslim character to star in her own title, and she will become Marvel Studios' first onscreen Muslim hero.

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