There was a time when being a hero was all about saving the day. But ladies and gentlemen, for the newest generation of comic nerds and movie lovers, the game has been taken to a whole other level. Upon the announcement of the casting choice for one of Valiant Comics’ most iconic characters (Livewire), at New York Comic Con, for their upcoming webseries Ninjak Vs The Valiant Universe, I was so excited that they got the first step right. Valiant Entertainment announced Ciera Foster as their casting choice for Livewire, and this, in all honesty, made me dare to say that the comics have been brought to life. Yasss! scream it with me! Ciera Foster is Livewire for the Valiant Universe!!
You see, over the past few years, we’ve seen the latest renditions of our favorite superhero flicks ascribe a deeper meaning to what it means to be hero. This newer understanding teaches us that it was never about being able to stop speeding bullets or leap tall buildings in a single bound, it was about who you inspired through your representation, your beliefs and your validation of what it meant to be good. Casting choices play a major role in how well our favorite characters are depicted on-screen. It’s a hurdle a lot of movie makers have failed to cross successfully, but this does not seem to be the case with Valiant Comic’s Livewire!
Ciera is a marvelous casting choice due so many rare qualities, and being a lady I have had the opportunity of speaking with, I can proudly boast that she was born to play this role. LiveWire is an icon, a symbol of strength, feminism, hope and will power in Valiant Universe. She’s one of the most powerful characters in the comics, and Valiant understands the importance of her portrayal to fans and fans-to-be. This reason alone should be enough to make fans go crazy that Ciera Foster is LiveWire For The Valiant Universe…but there’s more.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ciera reveals how she grew up reading the comics and how disheartening it was for her to know that none of the heroes looked like her except Marvel’s Storm (aka Ororo munroe). Apparently, this is the driving force for the beautiful actress; to inspire, to represent and to spearhead the era of black female-led superhero movies! Now how cool is that?!
As if this wasn’t already enough Ciera boasts a stellar background in martial arts. She was trained by her father who happened to be a 7th degree black belt and also happened to own a dojo when she was younger. She moved on to learning tae kwon do and karate, whilst growing up with brothers who were totally comic inclined. This led to her unparalleled interests in comic book characters, and started her on a passionate journey to become one we all needed. Ciera Foster being cast as for such an iconic role is quite inspiring because it is being played by a person who looks to give life to one of the few characters of color in the comics today.
The upcoming series – Ninjak Vs The Valiant Universe is directed by Super Power Beat Down creators Aaron and Sean Schoenke, with Joe Harris co-writing with the father-son team. The series will see the Ninjak — aka Colin King, deadly secret agent for MI-6 — forced to turn against his fellow Valiant heroes after being blackmailed by his arch-nemesis Roku. Arrow’s Michael Rowe will star as Ninjak, along with other incredible cast members like Jason David Frank, Ciera Foster (LiveWire) and former WWE wrestler John Morrison who was also cast as the immortal Eternal Warrior.
Whilst discussing with Ciera about her role she gave us some insight into her drive;
“I am a proud advocate and role model of diversity in film and particularly comics. I grew up watching and loving superheroes, but few if any looked like me, and it was disheartening. It’s time to change that! My hope is that by virtue of me having this role, children, readers and fans especially of color will be inspired”
Ciera has demonstrated not only her ability to play the role, but to be the role. The Ninjak Vs Valiant Universe web series has no release date yet, however I certainly cannot wait to see Ciera as LiveWire on screen. Ciera Foster is LiveWire for the Valiant Universe… What do you think?
Official Trailer of Ninjak Vs The Valiant Universe (Ciera Foster is LiveWire For The Valiant Universe)
