Netflix's 'Raising Dion' is the origins story of a superhero we know and love every day of our lives, and that's a pleasant change
The upcoming Netflix show 'Raising Dion' is the story of Nicole Reese raising her son, Dion, following the death of his father. However, Dion is different in that he displays supernatural abilities that are constantly changing. Nicole must try to raise her son while helping her son control his powers and keep his powers a secret. Nicole is helped in raising Dion by Pat, Mark's best friend.
The superhero (and supervillain) origin story has become quite popular these days. FOX's 'Gotham' exploring Bruce Wayne's childhood ran for five seasons. Before that 'Batman Begins' from Christopher Nolan, the first of a trilogy shows how Bruce Wayne becomes the Batman on his return to Gotham City. Zack Snyder's 'Man of Steel' (the first and best of the Henry Cavill's outings as the Superman) chronicles Clark Kent learning about where he comes from and taking on the job of protecting the people of Earth. Even Joker, Batman's nemesis, has gotten his origin story retold with Joaquin Phoenix taking on the role to much acclaim. Marvel isn't going to be left behind either with highly successful films on the origins of Captain America and Iron Man.
But in 'Raising Dion', we will be seeing the origin story of a different kind of superhero -- a mother. Nicole's job as a single mother is difficult enough with the unpredictable temperament of a child. Add to this mysterious powers that are new to humans and Nicole has her work cut out for her. In all of the previous movies mentioned, we see the stories told through the points of view of the heroes themselves, and often the parents are casualties to make for better origin stories. Although in 'Raising Dion', that casualty seems to be Dion's father (to be played by Michael B. Jordan), there is the chance that we will be seeing much more of him than expected.
Alisha Wainwright's portrayal of Nicole will add a new dimension to a story not often told. In 'Man of Steel', we got a glimpse of what parents go through when their child starts exhibiting superpowers, but 'Raising Dion' will be the story of the mother herself, the struggles she faces and the lengths she will have to go to to keep her son safe -- not just from nefarious forces who want to use her son for his powers, but also from his own powers. This could be the story of a mother who tries her best to bring her son up in the best way possible and this means ensuring that even with his powers, Dion gets a chance at a normal childhood and learns all the moral lessons he needs to in order to be a good person.
Raising Dion will release on Netflix on October 4.