DC’s Legends of Tomorrow knows no bounds when it comes to the weird and wacky plotlines. This Sunday’s upcoming episode, “The Ex-Factor,” will have Zari (Tala Ashe) transforming into a pop star and trying to win a singing competition against an alien for control over the planet Earth. If she loses, then the planet will be handed over to aliens. That’s not a lot of pressure or anything!
Speaking with SYFY Wire, Tala Ashe talked about channeling her inner pop star for the occasion.. It wasn’t as simple as getting on set and humming the tune. She had to do choreography, get acquainted with the songs, and coordinate with the backup dancers! Ashe said the episode “was a challenge” but she “had a lot of fun and a lot of support.”
I have no doubt she’s going to shine as a pop star; if anyone can do it, it’s Tala Ashe!
What’s in store for Zari on this season of Legends of Tomorrow?
And becoming a pop star is only one of the many things in store for Zari this season. She also has her new romantic relationship with Constantine, which I’m so here for.
It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, and Ashe agrees that even she and Matt Ryan, who plays Constantine, don’t “fully understand why Zari and John like each other.” However, according to her, “there is an attraction there.” This season will push them into a “really vulnerable new space.”
Legends of Tomorrow is bringing in a lot of fresh ideas for season 6, many of which involve aliens. But never fear, there are still plenty of other exciting things to come, including a Disney-style animated episode, movie homages, and even a cameo by Arrow’s David Ramsey, who’s playing a mystery character. Perhaps…the Green Lantern?! One can hope, especially after the Arrow series finale so heavily teased it.
Ashe promises that “it’s going to be a fun season” and that “it’s a crazy one.” And we can’t wait!
Tala Ashe talks diversity in Legends of Tomorrow
Ashe’s casting on Legends of Tomorrow marked the first time a Muslim-American superhero was seen in a live-action film or show. As a Muslim-American myself, it was a beautiful moment to see someone like me on screen playing a superhero. So very incredibly special!
Since then, Marvel Studios has committed to bringing Ms. Marvel, aka Kamala Khan, into the MCU, which will make her Marvel’s first Muslim-American superhero. She’ll be getting her own Disney+ series and will star in the Captain Marvel sequel! Production on the series has been ongoing and is set to hopefully premiere on the streaming service this year.
Ashe said that “it means everything” to be a part of representing a community that includes Muslim Americans, Middle Eastern Americans, and others. “t kind of lessens the weight on everyone’s shoulders in a way. In the sense, a white actor isn’t feeling the weight of all white people on their shoulders. The experience of being a more marginalized character, being in the minority, you often do feel that kind of weight. I very much do welcome more and more stories.”
I couldn’t agree more, and I can’t wait to see more representation from Legends of Tomorrow as it continues its run (hopefully for a long time to come).
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