Movies are always more enjoyable when the audience can tell that the cast is having a blast, and it seems like The Marvels is going to be an absolute blast. Brie Larson and Iman Vellani have clearly hit it off during filming, and their friendship mirrors that of their on-screen counterparts perfectly.
As the highly anticipated sequel to 2019's Captain Marvel, The Marvels has a lot to live up to. Not only does it have the pressure of following up on its predecessor, but it also features beloved characters from the popular Disney Plus series Ms. Marvel and WandaVision. While fans are eager to see a possible connection between WandaVision's Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Captain Marvel herself, Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), it's heartwarming to see the genuine connections forming behind the scenes. Ms. Marvel lead Vellani clearly adores Larson just as much as her character admires Danvers, and it's absolutely precious.
During an interview at the Gold Gala in Los Angeles, Vellani opened up about her relationship with Larson on the set of The Marvels, and it appears that they have developed a close bond akin to that of surrogate siblings. "We're really tight, she's like an older sister to me now," said the Ms. Marvel star. "She's taught me so much about the importance of taking care of myself both mentally and physically, and I truly cherish our friendship." It seems that both Vellani and her character are living out their dreams.
The Marvels has generated a great deal of excitement, particularly due to the inclusion of beloved characters. Early test screenings have been overwhelmingly positive, and the film will bring together the three aforementioned heroes for a necessary battle. As Carol/Captain Marvel, played by Larson, investigates a mysterious space wormhole, her powers become unintentionally intertwined with those of Vellani's Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel and Parris' Captain Monica Rambeau. While this creates some issues, it's also a dream come true for Kamala, a devoted Captain Marvel fan as demonstrated throughout the Ms. Marvel series.
Many fans and critics alike consider Ms. Marvel to be the best superhero show of 2022, and it's easy to understand why. The series places a strong emphasis on character development and realistic portrayals of relationships between family and friends. Additionally, the show's focus on a Pakistani main character and its appeal to young women is a significant cultural aspect, which Vellani herself appreciates. "I never imagined that a story like this could exist so openly," she exclaimed. "The fact that we were able to bring it to Disney Plus, and that Marvel is one of the most successful franchises in the world, means the world to me. Little girls will be able to watch this on a Friday afternoon, and that is truly amazing."
Between the highly-anticipated crossover of the three stars and the cultural significance of Ms. Marvel as a Pakistani hero, The Marvels boasts immense potential. One can only hope that the movie lives up to its promise, as it has all the makings of a fun-filled adventure. With any luck, audiences will enjoy themselves just as much as the actors did. The Marvels is scheduled to release in theaters on November 10th, 2023.