March 21, 2019
Deaf, Trans Actor Joins DC Superhero TV Pantheon
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 1 MIN.
Marvel may still be looking for the actor who's going to play its first openly gay super-powered crime fighter, but DC has taken the step of hiring openly trans actor Chella Man for the role of bisexual superhero Jericho on it television series "Titans," reports Men's Health.
Jericho's special ability is to exert his will over people by gazing into their eyes, noted Yahoo! News.
"As a trans, Deaf, Jewish POC, I have always reminded myself of the power in my differences," the actor sent out in a tweet announcing the casting news.
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 character will likely be depicted as bisexual on television, as he is in comic books, reported Gizmodod.
The casting of a Deaf actor works well for the part since Jericho uses sign language due to his lack of functional vocal cords, the Men's Health article noted. Jericho's family history is also a source of dramatic opportunity as rich as the uneasy relationships many LGBTQ youths still face within their own families; Jericho's father is a baddie called Deathstroke, who will be portrayed on the series by Esai Morales.
Both characters join the fray for the show's second season.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
