The main cast for The CW’s upcoming DC drama, Naomi , has been finalized. Naomi McDuffie is a DC Comics character created by Brian Michael Bendis, David F. Walker, and Jamal Campbell. First appearing in Naomi #1 in March 2019, the teenage superhero was born in an alternate universe. But she was sent to Earth so she remains protected from Zumbado, the mass murderer who destroyed her birth planet. In the comics, Naomi is mentored by Superman, who introduces her to the Hall of Justice and helps her find her origins in the Multiverse. Now, a series based on the titular character is headed to The CW, as the network continues to grow its brand as a prime destination for YA superhero shows.
Last December, it was announced that CW veteran Jill Blankenship and TV and movie mogul, Ava DuVernay, were working to adapt Naomi in collaboration with Warner Bros. According to the synopsis, the show would follow the eponymous heroine on her journey from her Northwestern town to “the heights of the multiverse” after a supernatural event shakes her hometown to the core. Although the show was confirmed to be in the works several months back, it wasn’t until last month that CW officially ordered a pilot for Naomi. Now, there is another update on the show, as some talents have been tapped for the drama pilot.
On Thursday, Deadline announced the cast for CW’s DC Naomi pilot. According to the site, Kaci Walfall, who is best known for her recurring role as Nyah in the long-running Lifetime drama series, Army Wives, has been cast to play the titular character. Joining Walfall in the show are Wu Assassins‘ Cranston Johnson and Alexander Wraith, best remembered as Agent Anderson from Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Besides Walfall, Johnson, and Wraith, newcomer Camila Moreno has also been set as a series regular.
Walfall’s Naomi is being described as an alpha teenage girl who is adored by her adoptive parents. A brilliant student and comic-book nerd, Naomi discovers her superpowers and sets out to pursue her hidden destiny after a strange event rocks her hometown. Wraith’s character, Dee, meanwhile, is the owner of a local tattoo parlor. He knows a lot about the supernatural occurrence in Naomi’s hometown, but he prefers to keep that information to himself. Johnson’s Zumbado, on the other hand, is a shady owner of a second-hand car lot. Naomi is generally wary of Zumbado because of his past. But after a tense encounter, their destinies become intertwined. Finally, Moreno plays Lourdes, a sarcastic character who works in a vintage collectibles shop. Sharing in her love for comics, Lourdes has a major crush on Naomi, and she often also partners with Naomi in her risky plans.
Clearly, DuVenray and Blakenship have roped in a talented, diverse set of young actors to lead their CW drama pilot. Johnson and Wraith’s credits include supernatural fare, which means they are familiar with the genre and can hence be trusted to deliver convincing performances in Naomi. Walfall’s already a fan favorite because of her stint in Army Wives. She also possesses substantial theatre experience, and her skill set is, therefore, a fitting match for her role in the show. Additionally, since Moreno is a debutante, her pairing with Walfall will feel quite fresh, thus, inciting the attention and adoration of YA enthusiasts. Overall, the casting for Naomi seems to check all the boxes. Now what remains to be seen is how these characters will look on the screen and how they will bring this story to life.
Source: Deadline
Originally from https://screenrant.com/naomi-dc-show-ava-duvernay-cast-reveal-update/