Malala Windsor, aka Spider-UK, opens up an exciting future for Muslim Marvel representation on and off screen.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a ground-breaking film in many ways, between featuring six unique animation styles, to becoming the 10th highest-grossing movie of 2023 and the best reviewed Letterboxd film.
One particularly trailblazing feature was the first ever Muslim, hijab-wearing Spider-Woman. The new character, Malala Windsor (Spider-UK), only graces the screen for a few lines, but her presence did not go amiss amongst greatly appreciative fans.
The voice actress, Sofia Barclay (who appeared in Nida Manzoor’s Muslim show We Are Lady Parts) shared her thoughts on her character, saying: “I think she’s quirky and cheeky, her look celebrates the traditional hijab style, but with typical Spidey-characteristics!”
