Netflix's Raising Dion focuses on widowed single mother Nicole Warren (Alisha Wainwright), as she cares for and protects her seven-year-old son, Dion (Ja'Siah Young), who also happens to have superpowers. While Season 1 of the television show focused on Dion's emerging abilities, the struggles of his mother, and the emergence of a surprise foe, the second season moves more firmly into superhero territory. Season 2 of the hit sci-fi series introduces more superpowered individuals and gives Dion a powered mentor in Tevin Wakefield.
Portrayed by Emmy-winning actor Rome Flynn (The Bold and the Beautiful, How To Get Away With Murder), Wakefield helps Dion come to terms with how to control his powers and help others. CBR had an exclusive interview with the new addition to the cast, who discussed his role on the show and his feelings about bringing a superpowered African-American character to the screen as a mentor and role model for the aspiring young hero.
How excited were you about joining this phenomenal cast for the second season of Raising Dion?
This is a dream come true from a lot of different aspects. I'm excited about what this show represents and the impact and relevancy of a show like this. The show is headlined by a little black boy and his single mom, and the right people are involved in bringing the show to life. Michael B. Jordan is the producer, and Netflix has really done a great job in making stories like this possible. And, I get to have powers. I never thought I'd be able to play a character where I could be somewhat of a superhero.
What can you tell us about your character on Raising Dion?
Tevin Wakefield is a runner, and he's very athletic. He's also a powered person working at Biona. He's there to help other people like him learn to live with and effectively control their powers. He meets Dion and Nicole and forges a connection with them both. From there, we get to see who he is as a person, aside from just having powers. I think that other aspects of his character are highlighted throughout the season that will make him feel very relatable to viewers in a way beyond him simply having powers.
How did you prepare for your role in Raising Dion?
Well, first off, I wanted to physically be in shape. I wanted to match the representation in my mind of how I thought Tevin should look, even down to his haircut and facial hair. I literally imagined what he should look like and worked toward becoming that image. Once I got in physical shape, I wanted to make sure I was mentally sharp and prepared for the role. I had conversations with the producers and the writers of the show to navigate and figure out the dynamic between Tevin and Dion, which is one of the most important relationships on the show. We don't often see this kind of relationship between a male figure and a young boy trying to navigate his way through life.
I also wanted to make sure that I didn't approach this role from an authoritative perspective. I didn't want it to feel like Tevin was reprimanding Dion instead of listening to him. It's been a journey. I'm very excited for people to see what we've done here. I really think viewers are going to enjoy what's coming this season.
How physically demanding was your role on Raising Dion?
It wasn't as demanding as you might think. I had two stand-ins for the fight scenes and a stunt double for the training scenes. I would love to do my own stunts, but no one wants to see that. But I still had to prepare mentally for approaching certain important conversations on the show, and I needed to make sure I navigated the character's arc over the season in an intricate and understandable way.
How exciting was it for you to bring a superpowered African-American character to the screen in Raising Dion?
I feel like I've been fathered into a very small group of individuals who have been given the opportunity to play strong minority characters who are leaders and have actual superpowers. It's a great opportunity. I feel like the industry is finally starting to realize how much we need this type of representation. I'm very thankful to be a very small piece of the puzzle, and I hope it continues to expand and become even more inclusive. It's always great to find that kind of purpose in the work you do.
Catch Tevin's superhero role in the second action-packed season of Raising Dion, hitting Netflix on Feb. 1.