I was like, “Guys, I want all of this!” I think they purposely wanted to keep Scarlet Scarab’s powers a mystery so they could be expanded on. He can zap strength from the different people he's fighting and take their powers. It's funny because I wanted all his powers.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images It's pretty political when you read it.Ĭalamawy at the Moon Knight premiere. He fought for what he felt was right and it didn't matter who it was that was crossing his path. He was a true advocate for his country and a fighter for Egypt. When researching Scarlet Scarab’s comic book history, did you learn anything that surprised you? But honestly, it really depends on the story. I feel like in the beginning, I used to love anyone that was kind of a villain like Nebula. Blade would be cool because I've worked with Mahershala Ali and I think he's so wonderful. May Calamawy: There has been nothing yet that I know of what could happen with Scarlet Scarab. INVERSE: What’s next for Scarlet Scarab? Who from the MCU would you like to see her interact with? This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Finally.”Ĭalamawy spoke to Inverse about the creation of Scarlet Scarab’s costume, where she’d like to see her character go next, and her thoughts on the complicated relationship between Layla and Marc Spector. “So many people are sending me photos or telling me they're throwing their straighteners out and finally embracing their curls, all thanks to Layla. “I had so many people reaching out,” Calamawy tells Inverse. Calamawy acknowledges the personal and cultural importance of maintaining it for the camera. The superhero was rewritten as a woman and, instead of following the aesthetic most female superheroes adhere to, Calamawy, who is of Palestinian and Egyptian descent, embraces her curly hair. Marvel StudiosĪs many fans will notice, this version of Scarlet Scarab is drastically different from the comics. It was three-and-a-half hours a day, five days a week, for two months.”Ĭalamawy underwent a demanding physical regimen to prepare for the role of Layla. “The stunt training was two hours a day, and then I worked with my personal trainer, which was an additional hour-and-a-half. “We trained for two months,” Calamawy says. To prepare herself for the show’s physical side, Calamawy underwent a serious training regimen. Murray Abraham) - as well as the growing threat from cult leader Arthur Harrow (Ethan Hawke). Then, of course, there’s Moon Knight - Marc’s vigilante alter-ego guided by Egyptian god Khonshu (F.
Layla was introduced as Marc Spector’s (Oscar Isaac) formidable archeologist spouse, who, over the course of six episodes, was forced to come to terms with the existence of Steven Grant (Marc’s other personality). “I know not everyone is going to look at Layla and go, I relate to that woman,” Calamawy tells Inverse, “but I hope she becomes a testament of being true to yourself because that's going to always be every single person's superpower.” “So many people are sending me photos or telling me they're throwing their straighteners out and finally embracing their curls.” The Ramy actress plays Layla El-Faouly in Moon Knight, and in the show’s finale, she becomes Scarlet Scarab, the first Egyptian superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “Being a superhero feels like you're truly stepping into yourself and allowing yourself to shine as you are,” she tells Inverse. May Calamawy is still processing her Marvel debut.