Ms Marvel, a Muslim heroine with hints of Belgium
The two young Belgian directors and producers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah were very involved in the new Marvel series from Disney Studios. They gave the series the first Muslim superheroine.
Hollywood studios are releasing a new six-episode series in early June called Ms Marvel. This time, the main character is Kamala Khan or Ms Marvel, the first ever Muslim superhero of Pakistani origin.
Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah are very involved in this new six-episode series as they are both the directors of the first and last episodes and the executive producers of the entire series. They were able to choose the style and take part in the castings with the other producers, which allowed them to instil the spirit they wanted.
Ms Marvel tells the story of a young woman from Jersey City, on the east coast of the United States, who has the power to metamorphose and change her appearance. She is played in the film by the young actress Iman Vellani, who is barely 19 years old.
In the Marvel universe, where superheroes and super-villains are often inspired by male characters from Western culture, Arbi & Fallah are particularly proud to have featured a Muslim heroine. Defending themselves from any form of proselytising, the two Belgian directors hope first and foremost that this story, which aims to convey universal values, will open people's minds.
Watch the series on the Disney+ streaming platform.