Netflix has ordered Raising Dion, a superhero series set to co-star Michael B. Jordan. Not bothering with a pilot episode, Netflix has gone ahead and ordered ten episodes of the series. Raising Dion is based on a short film by Dennis Liu, and its accompanying comic book, which both show an African-American single mother raising her young child Dion, who has a range of amazing superpowers.

Jordan, who will have a supporting role here, is no stranger to live-action superhero stories. He played Johnny Storm in Josh Trank’s ill-fated 2015 Fantastic Four film: a project which he later described as both “a dream come true” and “a lesson”. Plus, Jordan will return to the superhero genre as the villainous Killmonger in next year’s Black Panther movie, which was helmed by his Creed and Fruitvale Station director Ryan Coogler.

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It’s clear that the critical thrashing and financial failure of Fantastic Four - neither of which were his fault - didn’t diminish Jordan’s passion for superhero fiction. Carol Barbee (UnReal, Judging Amy) has adapted the Raising Dion short film into ten episodes of Netflix drama, and Jordan’s involvement in the project will undoubtedly help raise its profile. Deadline broke the news, and also shared this plot summary:

“Raising Dion, a Netflix production, follows the story of a woman named Nicole Reese, who raises her son Dion 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, and protect Dion from antagonists out to exploit him while figuring out the origin of his abilities.”

The short film (above) offers a strong idea of what this show will be like. Jordan’s character will appear as a tragic piece of backstory (and perhaps in a few flashbacks), while the main focus lies on Dion and his mother. Barbee will serve a showrunner, with the short film director/comic book writer Liu on board to direct and executive produce. Here’s how Liu described the tone and intentions of the piece in an official statement:

“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.”

Jordan will also serve as an executive producer, as will Michael Green (American Gods), Charles D. King (Fences), Kim Roth, Poppy Hanks and Kenny Goodman. It’s unclear who will be cast in the main roles, or when the show will premiere. But, suffice it to say, this is a very exciting prospect, which could be a breath of fresh air for superhero TV.

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As more Raising Dion news comes to light, you can be sure to find it right here on Screen Rant.

Source: Deadline