Heroes

Russell Tovey cast as gay superhero in The CW’s ‘Arrow’

The upcoming season of CW’s Arrow will include a new character portrayed by Looking actor Russell Tovey; a gay superhero called The Ray who’ll be featured in a four-episode arc that will crossover with several CW shows.

Related: Russell Tovey Was Very Upset Over His Femme Controversy

The CW’s biography of the character describes him thus:

Raymond “Ray” Terrill was a reporter who discovered a group of government scientists working on a secret project to turn light into a weapon of mass destruction. But before he could report on his findings, the project head exposed Ray to a “genetic light bomb.” The bomb failed to kill him and instead gifted Ray with light-based powers. With these abilities, Ray realized he could go beyond reporting on injustice — he could take action to help stop it. Calling himself The Ray, he was recruited by Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters to fight violence and oppression wherever it exists.

We all have a friend like that, but it’s not everyday our gay light-based superhero allies get such positive representation in the media, so this is absolutely cause for celebration.

The Crisis on Earth-X event will air across Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, The Flash and Arrow on November 27-28.

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