I’m slightly excited about seeing this fun story come to the screen on Netflix. I remember when this short film started circulating on social media and loved the idea. 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. Raising Dion is the brainchild of commercial and music video director Dennis Liu, who created the comic book and directed the short film, which became a viral sensation.
Here is the short film to give you an idea.
So far Michael B. Jordan is the only actor to have signed on and he will also be an executive producer on the project. He will be joined by Carol Barbee, who most recently served as executive producer on UnREAL and whose credits also include Judging Amy, Jericho, and Touch. Barbee wrote the script for episode one, which Liu will direct. Other executive producers include MACRO’s Charles D. King, Kim Roth and Poppy Hanks; Kenny Goodman; and Michael Green (Logan, American Gods).
The series 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.
Said Liu, “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.”
