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Shadowhunters' Alisha Wainwright, Newcomer Ja'Siah Young Join Netflix's Sci-fi Series 'Raising Dion'
Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments's Alisha Wainwright and newcomer Ja'Siah Young have been tapped to join Netflix's hour-long sci-fi family drama Raising Dion, joining previously cast Michael B. Jordan, Jason Ritter, and Jazmyn Simon.
Based on video director Dennis Liu's short film about an African-American single mother whose life takes a turn when she discovers her young son has multiple, constantly changing super powers, the project is being spearheaded by Liu, Jordan, Carol Barbee (UnReal, Judging Amy), writer-producer Michael Green (American Gods, Logan) and Charles D. King's MACRO (Fences); with Kenny Goodman executive producing.
Also, Seith Mann (The Breaks) is set to direct the first episode and will serve as an executive producer:
Raising Dion follows Nicole Reese (Wainwright), who raises her son Dion (Young) after the death of her husband Mark (Jordan). The normal dramas of raising a son as a single mom are amplified when Dion starts to manifest several magical, superhero-like abilities. Nicole must now keep her son's gifts secret with the help of Mark's best friend Pat (Ritter), and protect Dion from antagonists out to exploit him while figuring out the origin of his abilities.
"I started this project many years ago because I wanted to see more diverse representation on film and television and I'm excited to partner with Netflix, who I know shares that commitment. More than ever, we need more stories told from different points of view and my hope with Raising Dion is to create a cinematic experience for all families that will lift your spirits and make you laugh and cry." – Liu
Here's a look at the background on some of the main characters:
● Young's Dion is a curious, playful, and intelligent 7-year-old boy who is learning he has some very special abilities: he can move things with his mind. While exciting and cool, it's also something he knows scares his mom, Nicole.
● Wainwright's Nicole is a former professional dancer who gave it up to raise her son Dion when her husband Mark died. Although Nicole is completely overwhelmed by raising her son alone while dealing with the loss of her husband, she is still effortlessly cool and maintains a positive outlook on life for Dion. As Dion's abilities become more and more apparent, Nicole's protective nature heightens as she starts to fear for his safety.
● Simon's Kat is a surgical resident and Nicole's sister – and the one that has her life together, and can't help but correct Nicole on her life and parenting. All in all, she's a wonderful and supportive aunt and sister, but has a hard time biting her tongue as she watches her sister make mistakes.
● Ritter's Pat is a comic-book-reading scientist who worked with Mark (Jordan), his best friend. Pat makes a big effort to be there for Nicole and Dion, and loves them like family — sharing a special bond with Dion.