Last fall, we heard that TNT had begun development on a live-action television series based on the Teen Titans comics. We haven’t heard much since then, but today Nerdist broke the news that casting had begun for a pilot episode, and now we know which characters will be featured in the series.
First of all, the series is now being called The Titans, which will probably make it a bit easier to market. Teen Titans worked as the title of a cartoon series aimed at kids, but audiences that have grown accustomed to shows like Arrow and Gotham might scoff at the title.
As far as the lineup of characters, Nerdist confirms that Dick Grayson will be the show’s central character, although he has not yet taken on the Nightwing persona when the series begins. He’ll be found working as a detective in Boston, which seems to be influenced by Chuck Dixon’s run on the original Nightwing comics from the early ’90s.
Also part of the team will be the former Batgirl, Barbara Gordon, who is confined to a wheelchair – no word yet on whether or not the events that left her paralyzed in the comics will be referenced in the series. Hawk and Dove will also be included, although it will be the second iteration of the characters, giving the show a romantic angle to follow. Raven and Starfire also make appearances at the end of the pilot, but it remains to be seen how large their roles will be if the series gets picked up.
It’s interesting to note that, in a time where male superheroes seem to be dominating the market, most of the characters in The Titans are female. Sure, Dick Grayson will still be the focus, but the inclusion of fan favorite characters like Barbara Gordon should make for a welcome change from most of the genre’s television offerings.
The Titans is currently casting the roles listed above, with production on the pilot expected to begin in the coming months.
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