The CW’s DC show Naomi reportedly includes a cameo by none other than Superman. Naomi could become the latest series to join the network’s popular superhero lineup. It’s been in the works since December 2020 and received a pilot order in February. Though The CW is well-known for its work in the DC Universe by now, Naomi marks a bit of a departure for the network. Its creative team includes Arrow‘s Jill Blankenship and Ava DuVernay, who hasn’t yet worked on a DC project. The acclaimed director should bring a fresh perspective to the series.
Army Wives actor Kaci Walfall will play Naomi, while several others, including Cranston Johnson and Barry Watson, have been cast as well. The series begins with a big event on Naomi’s Earth that leads her to “the heights of the multiverse.” However, it will also focus on her everyday experiences as a teenager. The Naomi pilot began filming in early April. DuVernay revealed a first look at the series that showed off its high school setting. Now, it seems an exciting surprise may be coming in that first episode.
Per Film Stories, Naomi will reportedly feature a cameo by Superman. The report indicates the show’s first episode will mirror the first issue of the comics and show Naomi witnessing a fight between Superman and a foe in the sky above her. However, the Naomi series will reportedly take things a bit further, as Naomi thinks Superman is a fictional character until she sees him in real life. The report also states it’s unclear if Tyler Hoechlin’s Arrowverse Superman will appear in Naomi or if someone else will take on the role.
Provided this news is true, it should only increase excitement for Naomi. DuVernay’s involvement coupled with The CW’s solid track record with DC properties already had many keeping an eye on the series’ progress. This new information suggests Naomi may not operate entirely outside of the Arrowverse, especially if Hoechlin’s Superman is the one to appear. However, it’s also worth noting that if the fight remains in the sky above Naomi, the show may not have to cast anyone in the role, shooting it in a way where Superman’s face isn’t visible.
This may lessen the impact of the character’s reported cameo, but it would get around the messy issue of addressing the show’s connection to the Arrowverse straight away. This would give Naomi time to grow in the beginning before saddling it with extra complications. The CW could also follow a similar strategy to Black Lightning, which only became an official part of the Arrowverse later on in its run. Regardless of what happens with the Superman cameo, it sounds like Naomi could be the perfect addition to The CW’s lineup if it winds up going to series.
