Trans, Deaf Artist Chella Man Cast as Superhero in DC’s ‘Titans’

Trans YouTube star, artist, and model Chella Man is about to add "actor" to his resume.

The 20-year-old genderqueer artist has been case in the role of Joseph Wilson, or Jericho, in the upcoming second season of Titans, a live-action show on DC Comics' subscription streaming service, DC Universe. Man announced the casting on social media.

"As a trans, Deaf, Jewish person of color, I have always reminded myself of the power in my differences," Man said in a statement to Out. "It is a dream come true, now, as I will be able to showcase this power on Titans."

Man's YouTube has over 173,000 subscribers, according to Deadline. He uses the platform to talk about his transition and living at the intersection of his many identities. As a model, Man was signed to IMG as a model late last year, and also speaks publicly on issues of gender, identity, race, and disability.

Jericho has the ability to possess other people based on eye contact and is unable to speak, given that his vocal chords were severed by assassins. That means that a disabled actor will be playing a character with disabilities, as well. When Jericho possesses someone, he can speak through them with their own voice, language, and vocabulary. The titular team of Titans includes Batman sidekick Robin, alien princess Starfire, empath Raven and shapeshifter Beast Boy.

Producer and director Greg Berlanti, who directed Love, Simon, and is also known for his teen cult hits Riverdale and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, is one of the producers on Titans.

Announcement of Man's casting comes only a few days after Marvel announced that it is casting a gay lead for its superhero movie The Eternals, forthcoming in 2020.

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