Deaf, Transgender Artist Chella Man Will Play Superhero Jericho in DC's 'Titans'
DC just announced the casting of Chella Man as Jericho in Season 2 of its hit teen series, Titans. Man is a deaf and transgender actor, artist and activist, and his addition to the show as mute bisexual hero Jericho is big news for comics fans who are keen to see a greater degree of representation on-screen.
“As a deaf, trans, Jewish POC, I have always reminded myself of the power of differences,” Man tweeted yesterday. “It’s a dream come true as I will now be able to showcase this power on the Titans.”
SECRET’S OUT!
It is UNREAL to announce I will be making my acting debut as Jericho on Season 2 Titans!
As a trans, Deaf, Jewish POC, I have always reminded myself of the power in my differences.
It’s a dream come true as I will now be able to showcase this power on the Titans. pic.twitter.com/9Lq47dYr0L- CHELLA MAN (@chellamanart) March 19, 2019
The 20-year-old NYU student identifies as genderqueer, and uses the pronouns “he” and “him." While Titans is his first big acting role, he has gained a considerable following on YouTube with his videos which share insights into what it’s like to transition, along with sign language tutorials.
This follows recent news that DC will be introducing a transgender actress to its other TV series, Supergirl; Nia Nal will play Dreamer in the upcoming fourth season. “It seems only fitting that we have a trans superhero for trans kids to look up to,” Nal said at San Diego Comic Con when the role was announced.
In DC comic lore, Jericho, aka Joseph Wilson, is the son of super-villain Deathstroke (who will be played by Esai Morales in Season 2 of Titans). While Jericho is not deaf, he does communicate entirely in sign language after having his vocal cords severed by assassins. He also has the power to take control of other people’s bodies upon eye contact.
“This gentle natured yet proud hero has proven himself a formidable Titan,” reads the character description by Titans producers.
so @chellamanart is cast is a DC series! that’s so wild! He’s literally representing so many communities doing this and this is why he’s always been a person I look up to
- 🤟🏽🌟🌈 (@ashleyjosefinam) March 19, 2019
Based on the comic Teen Titans, Titans is the first in a planned spate of original shows on the DC Universe streaming service. It follows the adventures of alien Starfire (Anna Diop), shapeshifter Beast Boy (Ryan Potter), empath Raven (Teagan Croft), and former Batman sidekick Robin (Brenton Thwaites). Along with Jericho, Titans will also be adding Superboy to its roster of young heroes in Season 2.
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