Ava DuVernay’s series adaptation of DC Comics’ Naomi has added six new cast members — Barry Watson, Mouzam Makkar, Mary-Charles Jones, Aidan Gemme, Daniel Puig, and Will Meyers. They join Kaci Walfall who portrays the titular hero, along with previously announced cast members Alexander Wraith, Cranston Johnson, and newcomer Camila Moreno. Amanda Marsalis has been tapped to direct the pilot and will co-executive produce.
Naomi believed that she was an ordinary girl who had been adopted and raised in the small town of Port Oswego. However, as a teenager, she discovered that she had actually been born on a parallel Earth and that her parents had been superhumans. Much like Superman’s parents, Naomi’s sent her to Prime Earth to protect her from the powerful evil force, Zumbado. Naomi herself has super strength, flight, and energy-based powers, and in the comics, she was mentored by Superman, Batman, and joined the Young Justice team. But we will have to wait and see if DuVernay’s adaptation will be set in the Arrowverse, allowing the title character to interact with these established superheroes.
Watson and Makkar will play Naomi’s adoptive parents, Greg and Jennifer. Greg is described as “a veteran military officer who is serious about his responsibilities at the town’s military base. He is happily married to Jennifer and sees Naomi as the perfect daughter.” Meanwhile, Jennifer “dotes on her bright and gifted daughter. She is happily married to Greg and teaches linguistics at the town military base.”
Watson may be best known for 7th Heaven, What About Brian, Samantha Who, Gossip Girl, Hart of Dixie, and Date My Dad. He has also starred in multiple Lifetime movies.
Makkar most recently appeared as Dara Miglani on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She previously starred on The Vampire Diaries, The Exorcist, Easy Abby, Champions, and The Fix.
Jones will portray Naomi’s best friend, Annabelle, “who is unafraid of telling Naomi hard truths. Though she thinks Naomi is overly obsessive about a recent mysterious event, she supports her in her quest for answers.” Jones may be best known for playing Sara Gable on Kevin Can Wait, but she may also be remembered for playing young Miley on Hannah Montana.
“Sweet, shy, and a bit nerdy, Jacob has been dating Annabelle since the fifth grade, and he treats her like a queen.” This is Gemme’s role. Gemme has mainly worked on the stage in major productions Mary Poppins, Waiting for Godot, Finding Neverland, and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. He lends his voice to the character Benny on Dora the Explorer.
Puig will play Nathan, “a high school jock who briefly dated Naomi before she ended the relationship. Though the two remain friends, they still share an undeniable chemistry, and Naomi’s interest in another teen sparks Nathan’s jealousy.” Puig doesn’t have many credits, but he appeared in the movies The System and Eden: The Only One Left to Us.
Finally, Meyers portrays Anthony. “This handsome teen is a proud “townie” who has a crush on Naomi and will do anything to help her on her journey.” Meyers has appeared on Bella and the Bulldogs, Blue Bloods, Fresh Off the Boat, Gotham, The Village, Orange is the New Black, and Social Distance, and in the movie Bad Education.
So far, The CW has only ordered a pilot for Naomi but check back for updates as they become available.
Source: Deadline
