Don Cheadle’s breakout performance as War Machine in the MCU was inspired by a comic book character, and now he’s returning to the superhero genre with a new TV programme, Rogue’s Gallery. Cheadle’s self-founded production label, This Radicle Act, will reportedly put him at the forefront of the project. The actor will join Karyn Smith-Forge as one of the show’s executive producers. Hannah Rose May, who conceived and authored the Rogue’s Gallery comic book on which the programme is based, is also working as an executive producer.
According to Deadline, May’s own production company, Weird Neighbor Productions, will play a significant role in the series. Although the news of Cheadle’s participation was met with excitement, it was followed by a few specifics regarding the show. However, Industrial Media, which has created shows for ABC, HBO, Netflix, Hulu, and more, including blockbusters like American Idol, has agreed to a first-look agreement with This Radicle Act, so there is hope that the band will be featured on television. This past July saw the debut of Rogue’s Gallery, a novel that follows the life of Maisie Wade through the lens of the often poisonous world of superhero fandoms. Wade, formerly known as the Red Rogue, a popular superhero in this realm, had just given up the heroic life as the comic book begins.
But things go haywire when the Red Rogue’s successful TV show is cancelled as a result of Wade’s death. The Red Rogue’s die-hard admirers become enraged, locking her up in her home as they plot their revenge on Wade in villain costumes. In order to save herself, Wade must grudgingly return to her heroic identity. Artist Justin Mason, best known for his work on the Spiderpunk comic series, is another Marvel link beyond Cheadle in this comic book. Mason’s involvement with the show is still unknown. It’s great publicity for Cheadle and his production company, This Radicle Act. Cheadle, Forge, and Mika Pryce formed a production business in 2019 with the intention of creating content for both cinema and television.
With the debut of Radicle Act, “we intend to live up to the moniker and seed the landscape, generating new and intriguing stuff across numerous platforms,” Cheadle said to Deadline. “Mika and I are eager to get into our work with Industrial Media and others as soon as possible and get our hands dirty.” Cheadle has become, at the very least, one of Hollywood’s most praised performers, and that’s without even mentioning his producing work. In addition to his work in the MCU, Cheadle is well-known for his parts in films including Boogie Nights, the Ocean’s trilogy, Flight, and Space Jam: A New Legacy.
Oscar voters also considered him the top acting honour for his performance in Hotel Rwanda, which was inspired by the genocide that occurred in that country in 1994. He also had a role in White Noise, the critically acclaimed black comedy that made its world premiere at the recent Venice Film Festival. His next appearance in the MCU will be in the 2023 pilot episode of the Disney+ series Armor Wars.