Netflix has ordered a 10-episode season of the one-hour sci-fi, family drama, Raising Dion, based on a short film about an African-American single mother who discovers her young son has multiple, constantly changing abilities.
The series centres on a woman raising her son Dion after the death of her husband. 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 her husband’s best friend, and protect Dion from antagonists out to exploit him while figuring out the origin of his abilities.
Raising Dion comes from Dennis Liu, who created the comic book and directed the short film. Carol Barbee, known for UnREAL, Judging Amy, Jericho, and Touch, wrote the pilot episode and will serve as showrunner and executive producer. The 10-episode series will premiere on Netflix in more than 190 countries around the world. The series is a Netflix production.
In addition to directing the pilot episode, Liu will serve as executive producer alongside Barbee, Michael B Jordan through his Outlier Society Productions, MACRO’s Charles D King, Kim Roth and Poppy Hanks, Kenny Goodman, and Michael Green. Jordan will also appear in the series is a supporting role.
Liu said: “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 and MACRO, 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.”
Cindy Holland, vice-president of original content for Netflix, said: “We haven’t seen this type of superhero story before - an origin myth full of imagination, wonder and adventure, all grounded in the experiences of a modern single mother. Michael B Jordan is an exciting and dynamic talent, and I’m excited to see him, MACRO, Carol and the team translate Dennis’ unique vision to television.”
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