Netflix Orders Sci-Fi Family Drama Raising Dion

Netflix has ordered the 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.

The 10×1-hour series comes from commercial and music video director Dennis Liu, who created the comic book and directed the short film. Carol Barbee (UnREAL, Judging Amy, Jericho) will serve as showrunner/executive producer and wrote the script for episode one, which Liu will direct. Michael B. Jordan, through his Outlier Society Productions, will serve as an executive producer and also appear in the series.

Liu commented, “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.”

“We haven’t seen this type of superhero story before—an origin myth full of imagination, wonder and adventure, all grounded in the experiences of a modern single mother,” said Cindy Holland, the VP of original content for Netflix. “Michael B. Jordan is an exciting and dynamic talent, and I’m excited to see him, MACRO, Carol and the team translate Dennis’ unique vision to television.”