Jaden Smith Cast as DC Comic Book Character Static Shock in Upcoming Web Series
During a recent interview at MCM Comic Con in London, "Walking Dead" actor Tyler James Williams slipped up and confirmed the casting of Jaden Smith as Static Shock in an upcoming web series, Comic Book reports.
Although neither Warner Bros. nor DC has confirmed Smith's casting, Williams did confirm while speaking about the lack of African American actors in superhero film and tv shows.
Williams acknowledged that "there aren't that many young black comic book super heroes," before adding, "It's great to see Static Shock is happening with Jaden."
The New York Daily News reports that Smith will star as Static Shock in an upcoming web series. So far, no further details have been announced regarding the show.
The New York Daily News adds that Warner Bros. has high hopes for the upcoming digital series. Static Shock, the series' main character, became mainstream through an animated television series from 2000 to 2004.
As Smith reportedly prepares for his role as the super hero with electricity-based super powers, his father, Will Smith, is preparing for his role as the comic book assassin Deadshot in the highly anticipated "Suicide Squad."
In addition to Williams acknowledging the lack of African American presence in comic book roles, actor Michael B. Jordan also addressed the issue of diversity regarding his film, "Fantastic Four."
Jordan will play Johnny Storm, who is also known as the Human Torch, in the film and many critics have slammed the idea of Jordan, an African-American actor, playing a traditionally Caucasian comic book character, Time reports.
Despite the backlash he's received, Jordan suggests in his op-ed piece, "Why I'm Torching the Color Line," he is proud to take on the role and provide a new face to the character.
Jordan also urged his critics to be more accepting of the director's creative choice to cast him since we realistically live in a diverse world.
"Some people may look at my casting as political correctness or an attempt to meet a racial quota, or as part of the year of 'Black Film.' Or they could look at it as a creative choice by the director, Josh Trank, who is in an interracial relationship himself -- a reflection of what a modern family looks like today," Jordan wrote.
"To the trolls on the Internet, I want to say: Get your head out of the computer ... This is the world we live in," he said.
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of latinpost.com