The latest episode of WandaVision isn't the only new superhero content out today, as Disney+ has also officially launched its latest original film, the family superhero comedy Flora & Ulysses.
Based on the children's novel of the same name, the movie follows a young girl named Flora Buckman (Matilda Lawler), an avid comic book fan and self-avowed cynic dealing with her parents' separation, who adopts a superpowered pet squirrel named Ulysses.
The film opens with a beautiful montage to express Flora's (Matilda Lawler) love for all things Marvel Comics and features a number of major heroes, including Silver Surfer, Wolverine, the Fantastic Four, Captain Marvel, Black Panther, Iron Man, Storm, and, of course, her personal favorite Ms. Marvel.
"Well, I had to put Ms. Marvel in there, she’s gotta be in there. Let’s get that in the trailer too because it just makes me happy. I was so excited and when this was done, I really, really, really wanted to shoot a part of Ms. Marvel, the TV show, but I was in post-production at the same time they were shooting - this was pre-pandemic - so they staffed up and I wasn’t able to do both, but if that was ever made into a movie, that’s my number one."
While she wasn't able to helm an episode of Ms. Marvel this year, there's always a possibility she'll get her chance to direct Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan in a potential second season. Outside of that, there could be another opportunity brewing, as Khan reveals that she grew up a huge X-Men fan. There was even a planned Wolverine reference in the film, but it sounds like Marvel Studios nixed the idea.
Other than that, I’m a big X-Men fan. We used to have something where Ulysses was doing this (the Wolverine claws pose) and he had something, like some branches coming off his paws and he looked like Wolverine for a moment. But Marvel said that was one degree too much, so it didn’t pass clearance. We got away with a lot, but not everything."
Marvel Studios not letting any Wolverine references slip through the cracks? Probably doesn't mean anything...
Check out our full video interview with director Lena Khan below and don't forget to like and subscribe!
Flora & Ulysses is based on the Newbery Award-winning book about 10-year-old Flora, an avid comic book fan and a self-avowed cynic, whose parents have recently separated. After rescuing a squirrel she names Ulysses, Flora is amazed to discover he possesses unique superhero powers, which take them on an adventure of humorous complications that ultimately change Flora's life--and her outlook--forever.
Flora & Ulysses premieres exclusively on Disney+ on February 19