Deaf, trans activist Chella Man to play superhero Jericho in Titans
Model and YouTuber Chella Man is due to play DC superhero Jericho in Titans. (David Livingston/Getty; DCComics)
Model and YouTuber Chella Man is set to join the second season of DC Universe’s live-action series Titans in the role of Joseph Wilson, aka Jericho.
Chella Man, who’s been documenting his transition for the past year over his 215,000 followers-strong YouTube channel, confirmed the announcement on his social media channels on Tuesday (March 19).
“…SECRET’S OUT! It is UNREAL to finally announce I will be making my acting debut as Jericho on Season 2 of @titansnetflix with @thedcuniverse!” the 20-year-old wrote.
In production notes quoted by Deadline, Jericho is described as a “gentle natured yet proud hero [who] has proven himself a formidable Titan.”
“As a trans, Deaf, Jewish person of color, I have always reminded myself of the power in my differences.”
— Chella Man
Jericho is the son of DC villain Deathstroke. He uses sign language as his father failed to rescue him from having his vocal cords severed by assassins and has the power to possess anyone just by making eye contact.
Chella Man, who is deaf and has used his social media platform to raise awareness both about gender identity and disability issues, described the chance to play Jericho as a “dream come true.”
He wrote: “As a trans, Deaf, Jewish person of color, I have always reminded myself of the power in my differences. It is a dream come true, now, as I will be able to showcase this power on the Titans.
“HUGE thank you to all who have supported me throughout this process! Can’t wait for you all to see it!”
Who is Chella Man, who will play DC superhero Jericho in Titans?
Chella Man was born in Pennsylvania and currently a student at the Parsons School of Design.
He has been outspoken about his journey on hormone therapy and gender confirmation surgery.
In January 2018, a post he wrote on Twitter after getting his top surgery went viral.
He wrote: “Today, I checked off one of the bullets on my top surgery bucket list.
“I wrapped the towel around my waist, not my chest.
“I looked in the mirror, disregarding the drains and binder, and I saw myself.
“For the first time, I saw myself.”
Activist Chella Man and Artist Mary V attend The Trevor Project TrevorLIVE NYC at Cipriani Wall Street on June 11, 2018 in New York City. (Dave Kotinsky/Getty)
In October, he became the first deaf Jewish-Asian model to sign with IMG, one of the most prominent modelling agencies in the world, as TeenVogue reported at the time.
His role in Titans appears to be his first professional acting experience.
Reflecting on the changes happening in his life, Chella Man told L’Officiel in January: “I am privileged to be safe and publicly open about my identity at the moment.”
He added: “I am able to speak up but I never want to be the voice of anything. If you have a unique story, it’s important to share it.”
