A few days ago it was announced that, as part of a new digital initiative dubbed Blue Ribbon Content, Warner Bros. would be making a live-action Static Shock digital series from Academy Award nominated Django Unchained producer and Boondocks executive producer Reginald Hudlin.
Now we’re getting word that Warner Bros. is already eyeing a young actor to play the electric DC superhero: Jaden Smith. Smith may have a few stinkers like After Earth under his belt, but his parents are already developing a bit of a working relationship with Warner Bros., now that Jada Pinkett Smith is on Gotham and Will Smith is in negotiations for Suicide Squad.
The young Smith definitely has his foot in the door at the studio, so I could easily see him landing the part for that reason alone. He was on the rise until M. Night Shyamalan threw a $130 million wrench into his career, and since then he’s been keeping a bit of a low profile. A project like this could be just what he needs to reinvigorate his acting career (if the show’s successful, of course). He’s certainly got the look of the character down, but will DC fans accept him as Virgil Hawkins?
Let us know your thoughts about Jaden Smith starring in Static Shock in the comments below…
Originally published October 26, 2014. Updated April 13, 2018.
