Iman Vellani’s Love for Anime
Iman Vellani is a rising star known for her role as Kamala Khan in the MCU, but her recent passion for anime has taken center stage. In a recent interview, she shared her journey into the world of Japanese animation and how Attack on Titan changed her perspective.
Intimidation Turned Obsession
Vellani admitted, “I was very intimidated by anime until very recently. I started watching anime about a year ago, so this is a new obsession for me, but I’m totally into it now. There’s just so much content, I didn’t know where to start.”
Her introduction to Attack on Titan through friends and family quickly turned into a deep admiration for the series. Vellani expressed, “This is a story that seems like it’s about humanity. I think I can get into it.”
Finding Inspiration in Mikasa Ackerman
Vellani’s love for the character Mikasa Ackerman was evident as she explained, “That is a woman who — I don’t think I’ve seen many other female characters like her who have that authority, willpower, and determination to actually act on it.”
Not only did Mikasa resonate with Vellani, but she also praised the voice actor behind Armin’s character in the finale of Attack on Titan. She emphasized, “His performance in the final episode blew me away.”
A Lasting Impact
Reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of Attack on Titan, Vellani shared, “The ending made sense for the story, it made sense for the characters.” She added, “I was crying in my bed watching it. My mom walked in on me and she was like, ‘It’s just an animation show!’ and I was like, ‘No, this is real!’”
Exploring New Horizons
After finishing Attack on Titan, Vellani delved into other popular anime series like Jujutsu Kaisen and One Piece. She found comfort in the characters and the lighter tone of One Piece after the emotional journey of Attack on Titan.
Appreciation for Anime
Vellani’s admiration for anime goes beyond just TV shows. She expressed her love for movies like Suzume and The Boy and the Heron, highlighting the impact they had on her as a young adult.
Anime’s Appeal to Gen Z
When asked about the increasing popularity of anime among her generation, Vellani credited the empowering roles of women and children in anime, especially in Studio Ghibli movies. She pointed out the positivity and craftsmanship in anime that resonates with younger audiences.