Nobody could have played Ms. Marvel but Iman Vellani

That’s a good splurge – it’s research. Since this is your first major acting role, what was the biggest lesson you took away from filming?

To just trust myself, really. I was doubting myself in my skills a lot when we started this whole thing. I was going through insane imposter syndrome and couldn’t believe that someone like me could ever end up in a situation like this. I really had to trust my instincts and trust that I know what I’m doing and that I’m here for a reason. Everyone at Marvel was super welcoming and really made me feel like I can hold the pressure and the weight that comes with this character and playing her in the MCU, which is, as you said, the biggest franchise ever. It’s a lot, but I have a good support system around me.

With that imposter syndrome, was there a light-bulb moment or something that helped you get through that?

I think hearing my idols talk about me, like Kevin Feige talking about me being a fan and how casting me was unanimous. I just had to trust that the same people who cast Robert Downey Jr. cast me. That was enough for me to get through it.

Was there a favorite scene to film?

Yes! AvengerCon, which happens in episode one. It was the greatest week of my life. Our producers didn’t even let me see the setup until the day that we shot it because they wanted my real reaction to be Kamala’s reaction. Me and Matt [Lintz], who plays Bruno, would just wander off set all the time looking for all the Easter eggs and everything they’ve hidden. It was truly a wonderland.

Was there a scene that you felt was a challenge and you’re really happy with the result?

I don’t know about challenge, but the date scene with Kamran (Rish Shah) in episode two was one of my favorite scenes to shoot with another person. Rish is such a perfect casting and so easy to work with. Our chemistry just bleeds onto the screen. We were really happy with that because a lot of it was us goofing off and just saying whatever felt right in the moment. The entire hand-holding thing wasn’t even a thing until Rish did it, and we’re like, “Oh, my God, this is so cute.” It was perfect. That’s how we wanted Kamala’s first date to look and feel. It felt exactly like the way we pictured it. So, I was really happy with that.

If there was a superlative for you on set, what would it be?

Oh, most likely to fall asleep. I don’t know. I sleep a lot. I feel like I’m never rested enough.

Did you have a nap area set up for you while you were filming?

My power is that I can sleep anywhere. On my cast chair, I have this giant blanket and a bunch of snacks next to me so I’ll fall asleep on my chair.

Now that you’ve done what is essentially a dream role, what would your next dream role be? If you can manifest the next project after this, what would that look like?

I don’t know. I don’t think you can get bigger than this. I don’t want to plan my future anymore. This was completely unplanned. I’m just going with the flow, seeing where this role takes me and if I even want to continue doing something like this in the future. I don’t know what I’m good at. I don’t know what my range is. We’re learning, and everything I do now is going to be very public. All my failures and triumphs will be public as well.

Anna Moeslein is the deputy editor at Glamour.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

This article first appeared on GLAMOUR US.