Naomi: Ava DuVernay comic book series casts Kaci Walfall as title character

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Ava DuVernay has found the actress to lead her superhero DC drama Naomi, and it's Kaci Walfall (Army Wives, Power). The young actress will play the titular role in The CW pilot, from DuVernay’s Array Filmworks and Warner Bros. Television. Joining Walfall for the ground-breaking hero's pilot episode is series regulars Alexander Wraith (Orange Is the New Black, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Cranston Johnson (Filthy Rich, P-Valley, Hap and Leonard), and newcomer Camila Moreno.

The comic series hails from Brian Michael Bendis, David F. Walker, and artist Jamal Campbell. It takes place within the larger DC Universe and focuses on a young, adopted teenager, Naomi, who in time discovers that she has energy-based powers. When a supernatural event shakes her hometown to its core, Naomi sets out to uncover its origins, and what she discovers will challenge everything we believe about our heroes.

Walfall’s Naomi is described as an effortlessly cool and confident high school student who is the adopted daughter of doting parents. Popular with all the kids in her military town, Naomi is unafraid to embrace her AP-student, comic book-loving nerdiness. When she discovers that she shares something in common with the god-like heroes that inhabit her world, everything changes.

In addition to starring in her own solo comic book series for DC/Wonder Comics, Naomi is now a part of DC's Justice League, under the pen of Brian Michael Bendis. She joins other team members Batman, Superman, Aquaman, Black Canary, Hawkgirl, and Green Arrow as well as a few others. Naomi's Justice League journey begins with Justice League #59, in stores now.

Wraith will act as Dee, the owner of a local tattoo parlor. When a strange event leaves the town in chaos, Dee hints that he knows more than he is willing to tell. It will take some convincing on the part of Naomi, but eventually, Dee reveals the bombshell secret he's been keeping for years.

Johnson portrays Zumbado, the mysterious owner of a local used car lot. Having heard troubling rumors about his past, Naomi actively tries to avoid him, but a tense encounter leaves her both shaken and curious.

Moreno plays Lourdes, a young woman with a sarcastic sense of humor who works in a vintage collectibles shop. She has an unrequited crush on Naomi, and she shares her obsession with classic comics. She is also happy to join in on Naomi’s schemes. Together, the two of them uncover Naomi's mysterious past and are left forever changed by what they discover.

Walfall's TV credits include CBS’ Person of Interest, Starz’s Power, and a recurring role on Lifetime’s Army Wives. She's also set to star in season 2 of Amazon's anthology series, Modern Love, and will recur on CBS' The Equalizer, starring Queen Latifah.