Netflix and CW Are Betting on the Rise of Black Superheroes
Black voices are booming in media and Netflix and CW are places their bets on them.
Comic-Con weekend is starting off with a bang with news that Netflix just approved a straight-to-series order for a new superhero story, Raising Dion. Based off of a short film and comic book by video director Dennis Liu, Raising Dion follows the struggles of a recently widowed mother who must protect her son from those out to exploit him when he suddenly starts developing superhero abilities.
The family drama will be 10-hour long episodes and will feature Michael B. Jordan (Black Panther, Creed) in a supporting role and as an executive producer.
We haven’t seen this type of superhero story before — an origin myth full of imagination, wonder and adventure, all grounded in the experiences of a modern single mother,” said Cindy Holland, VP, Original Content for Netflix. “Michael B. Jordan is an exciting and dynamic talent, and I’m excited to see him, MACRO, Carol and the team translate Dennis’ unique vision to television.”
Not to be outdone on news releases, CW recently announced the casting of Grammy Award winner, Jill Scott as the villain “Lady Eve” for their upcoming new series Black Lightning. The series, which is expected to debut next year, was announced earlier this summer and follows the story of a electricity-manipulating high school principal who comes out of superhero retirement when his daughters are threatened by a local gang.
via Entertainment Weekly:
Grammy Award-winning singer Jill Scott is joining the cast of The CW’s forthcoming superhero drama to play DC Comics villain Lady Eve, who will be the bridge between Tobias Whale (played by L.A. rapper Marvin “Krondon” Jones III)and a secret group of corrupt leaders. Always a consummate professional, Scott’s onscreen alter ego presents herself in Freeland as the owner of a funeral parlor, but quickly becomes an adversary to Black Lightning (Cress Williams). (In the comics, Lady Eve is a member of the Kobra Cult.)
“Jill is an amazing artist who can embody any character and give them an authentic voice that is both nuanced and richly complex,” said showrunner and executive producer Salim Akil in a statement. “I am excited to see her in the role of Lady Eve.”
Developed by Salim and Mara Brock Akil alongside super-producer Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schecter, Black Lightning follows Jefferson Pierce, a high school principal and retired superhero with electricity powers who suits back up when both his daughters and his community are threatened by Tobias Whale’s 100 Gang.
This isn’t Scott’s first superhero project: She previously voiced Storm on BET’s short-lived animated series Black Panther in 2010. Her other onscreen credits include Why Did I Get Married, 2012’s Steel Magnolias, and guest turns on Fringe and Being Mary Jane.
I can definitely see myself trying to pull off a Lady Eve cosplay look.
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