Disney trailer features first Muslim-American Marvel superhero, but some are still claiming racism

Disney dropped a trailer for their first Marvel superhero show headed by a Muslim-American, and while some were happy at the diversity of the character, others claimed changes from the comic book were inspired by racism.

The trailer showcases Kamala Khan, a Pakistani teenager from New Jersey, who gains superhero powers. She is portrayed by 19-year-old Canadian-Pakistani actress Iman Vellani.

Many on social media were ecstatic that the newest Marvel hero was "brown" in skin tone and that she was Muslim.

"I’m fairly sure it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a superhero who looks like me (let alone a Muslim one!)," replied one user. "So glad for all the brown girls out there who will see this!"

"I don’t care what people say about ms marvel when we know the real issue is as a British Muslim I feel represented," read another tweet.

"Ms. Marvel probably won't have the same Cultural impact as Black Panther but for someone like me she's just as important. East Coast American Girl, Pakistani Muslim Girl. She's teenage me but with Super Powers," said another viewer.

Others were angry that the powers of the character were changed from the comic book version and implied that it was because of racist motivations against Muslims. In the comics, Kahn has the ability to morph and change her body at will, which she uses to drastically grow and shrink either her whole self or individual body parts — a power similar to that of Ant-Man and Mr. Fantastic. The new Disney+ series, however, has her employing energy-based similar to those of well-known characters Dr. Strange and Captain Marvel.

"Marvel: Here’s our first live action Muslim superhero," read a tweet with over 7k likes. "Also Marvel: However we’ve fundamentally changed her powers and origin because there’s a white guy who does something similar."

"The reason they did this infuriates me to no end. Their powers don't even work the same, they are different. Like how many f***ing super soldiers have we had in the MCU? And you're changing her powers because some white guy you just got the rights to can do a bit of what she can," responded another critic.

"So you’re telling me that they had to completely change the first Muslim MCU hero’s powers because they’re too similar to a white guy’s? But we can have 3 Spider-Men in the same movie. Very cool Marvel I’m sure that will go over well!" read another angry tweet.

"Marvel really changed one of their only Muslim girl characters powers so it doesnt look similar to one of their oldest white guys powers???" asked another detractor.

The Ms. Marvel series will debut on Disney+ on June 8.

Here's the video of the Ms. Marvel trailer:

Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel | Official Trailer | Disney+www.youtube.com