Upcoming Films & Shows Featuring Deaf Characters

When Lauren Ridloff burst onto the screen as Makkari in Marvel's "Eternals," something shifted in Hollywood. Not only was she the MCU's first Deaf superhero, but her character's reception proved what many in the Deaf community had long known – audiences crave authentic representation that goes beyond tokenism. The overwhelming positive response showed studios something they couldn't ignore: authentic Deaf representation isn't just the right thing to do; it's also good business.

As we near the end of our series on Deaf representation in film and television, let's look ahead at what's coming on both big and small screens. The landscape is more promising than ever, with several exciting projects featuring Deaf characters and talented Deaf actors in development or production.

Major Studio Projects with Deaf Leads

The success of films like "CODA" and shows like "Only Murders in the Building" has created momentum for Deaf-centered storytelling. Several major studios are developing projects that feature Deaf protagonists and ensemble casts.

One of the most highly anticipated projects is "Flash Before the Bang," scheduled for release in 2025. This sports feature film stars Jessica Alba ("Sin City"), Russell Harvard ("Fargo"), and Daniel Durant ("CODA"), and tells the inspiring true story of an all-deaf high school track and field team in 1980s Oregon.

The film follows a bullied deaf track runner who transfers to a school for the deaf seeking opportunity – only to find his hopes initially dashed by an unmotivated team and a deaf coach struggling through a mid-life crisis. The underfunded, overlooked team must overcome adversity at every turn in their quest for an unprecedented victory at the 1986 Oregon State Track and Field Championship.

What makes this project particularly significant is its authentic representation both in front of and behind the camera. The film comes from deaf writer-director Jevon Whetter, whose own life experience inspired the story. His brother and producer Delbert Whetter had a front-row seat to the actual events: "I watched with my own eyes as Jevon's younger brother and as a fan in the stands. This story is one of the most profound life-changing moments that I ever experienced, and I cannot wait for the world to see this story on the screen and be inspired by it too."

Hollywood powerhouses Matt Damon and Ben Affleck serve as executive producers alongside Jessica Alba, making "Flash Before the Bang" the second film to implement their inclusion rider after their recent production "Air." More than half of the characters in the ensemble cast will be deaf and portrayed by deaf actors when production begins in September in Georgia.

Jessica Alba expressed her enthusiasm for the project: "I was deeply moved by this script based on the true story of filmmaker Jevon Whetter, which shows the little-known reality of what life was like for deaf and disabled people who were cut off from society in almost every way prior to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. I'm so excited to be a part of this groundbreaking story about deaf people, made by deaf filmmakers, with a primarily deaf cast for mainstream audiences."

Director Jevon Whetter shares this passion, stating: "I am convinced that the world is ready for an uplifting story that authentically depicts people with disabilities as they deserve to be portrayed – as multi-dimensional beings with hopes, flaws, and dreams who are capable of becoming fighters, heroes, and champions."

Challenges That Remain

Despite this promising landscape, challenges persist in achieving truly inclusive representation. As we've discussed throughout this series, the issue of authentic casting remains contentious, with some productions still casting hearing actors in Deaf roles.

Additionally, while leading roles for Deaf actors are increasing, many productions still struggle with accessibility behind the camera. Deaf directors, writers, producers, and crew members face barriers to entry that limit their ability to shape how Deaf stories are told.

"The next frontier is creating pathways for more Deaf creative talent behind the camera," explains DJ Kurs, artistic director of Deaf West Theatre. "When Deaf people have creative control, the authenticity of the storytelling reaches another level entirely."

Supporting Authentic Representation

As viewers, we have power to influence which projects succeed and which don't. By consciously choosing to watch and support content featuring authentic Deaf representation, we send a clear message to studios about what we value.

Beyond viewership, engaging with these shows and films on social media, leaving positive reviews, and discussing them with friends amplifies their impact. When productions featuring Deaf talent become cultural touchpoints that generate conversation, it demonstrates their relevance to broader audiences.

"The industry is listening more than ever," says James Caverly, whose role in "Only Murders in the Building" garnered widespread acclaim. "Every successful project featuring Deaf actors makes it easier for the next one to get greenlit."