In recent years, there has been a concerted push in Hollywood and from fans to include more diversity in the ever popular superhero genre. Warner Bros.’ Wonder Woman just gobbled up more than $220 million worldwide in its opening weekend as the first female-led comic book film of the modern superhero era. Next year, Marvel will drop Black Panther as the first modern comic book blockbuster with an African American lead. Now, The CW is getting into the action.
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow is introducing its first Muslim-American superhero and has cast Tala Ashe to play the role of Zari Adrianna Tomaz.
Here’s the character breakdown:
A Muslim-American woman from the year 2030. Zari lives in a world of contradictions. Technology has brought about incredible change in her future — too bad human nature hasn’t kept pace. Fear, prejudice, and a lack of care for the planet have forced Zari to become a “grey hat hacktivist.”
Tomaz is described as a computer whiz with a wry, non-compliant personality and a woman living a double life who is yet to realize she has secret powers derive from an ancient, magical source. In her comic book roots, Zari’s alter-ego was Isis, after the Egyptian goddess, though it’s doubtful that will remain on Legends.
Ashe enjoyed a recurring role in NBC’s American Odyssey and has appeared on Smash, 30 Rock and Covert Affairs. The 32-year-old Iranian American will be a series regular in season 3.
Ashe joins Legends stars Brandon Routh, Victor Garber, Arthur Darvill, Dominic Purcell, Caity Lotz, Franz Drameh, Nick Zano, Amy Pemberton, Matt Letscher and Maisie Richardson-Sellers in the series from Berlanti TV and Warner Bros. TV.
