The CW’s “Legends of Tomorrow” has cast a new Vixen.
Maisie Richardson-Sellers (“The Originals”) has been added to the Season 2 cast of the CW superhero series playing the series-regular role of Amaya Jiwe, aka Vixen.
This newest incarnation of the character is actually the grandmother of the Vixen played by Megalyn Echikunwoke who voices Vixen, a.k.a Mari McCabe, in the animated spin-off, and brought her to life on The CW’s “Arrow” series.
Echikunwoke was unavailable to portray the character on “Legends of Tomorrow” (she’s currently filming Charles Stone III’s sorority/stepping dramedy “Step Sisters” in which she stars), and so a recasting had to be done, with Richardson-Sellers taking the baton.
Like her granddaughter, Amaya’s powers are derived from the mysterious Tantu Totem, which allows her to channel the powers of animals, so she’s able to mimic the abilities of any animal that has ever lived on Earth.
Vixen was the first black woman superhero for DC Comics, originating from the fictional African nation of Zambesi.
Echikunwoke (E.K.) will continue to voice the animated Vixen on the network’s digital channel, CW Seed.
In addition to “The Originals,” Richardson-Sellers also appeared in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” as Korr Sella, a Resistance officer reporting to General Leia Organa.
“Legends of Tomorrow’s” sophomore season premieres Thursday, Oct. 13, at 8/7c on The CW.