Titans’ second season just announced the casting of a comic character that has strong ties to Superman’s greatest foe, Lex Luthor. Fans already know that Bruce Wayne, a.k.a. Batman, will be making his grand debut in Season 2 and a major Game of Thrones player will take on the role. Can viewers expect another headline-making character to join him? This news seems to indicate it is possible. Titans has announced that it has cast actress Natalie Gumede to play Mercy Graves, who was first seen on screen in Superman: The Animated Series.
The news about Natalie Gumede's casting on Season 2 of Titans comes to us per Deadline. Mercy has an important connection to Lex Luthor because she works as his bodyguard and his right hand.
She is described as being “ruthless” and “cunning,” which are both attributes you would need to have as Lex Luthor’s bodyguard. Mercy's devotion to Lex runs deep. It says that she has an unquestionable loyalty to Superman’s arch nemesis. This is not an overnight or recently built bond, either.
The description remarks that Mercy’s connection to the Luthors runs deep thanks to something pivotal. She has been a friend of the Luthor family and in Lex’s life “since they were young.” Whether their bond started in their pre-teens or teens is not clear. Regardless, it is clear that they have been close friends for a considerable period.
As pictured above, actress Natalie Gumede can be seen starring on Netflix’s Free Rein as Margaret “Maggie” Steel Phillips. In 2013, she competed on the original British version of Dancing with the Stars, which is titled Strictly Come Dancing. Gumede was partnered with current Dancing with the Stars pro, Artem Chigvintsev. They were finalists!
What does Mercy's arrival mean for Titans? The addition of a pretty compelling character with vital ties to a major DC villain. Her appearance is laying the groundwork for Lex's potential intro. Reportedly, Lex Luthor will be a major villain in Season 3, according to We Got This Covered. So, it could be a while before he shows up.
Two and a Half Men’s Jon Cryer recently portrayed Lex on The CW’s Supergirl. Given that both shows deal with similar characters, there might be some story overlap that fans can expect.
Titans already announced that it is bringing on Superboy for Season 2 and the role was cast earlier this year. Introducing the Superman mythos and Lex Luthor's right hand bodes well for a his potential debut (which hasn't been confirmed by the show) to occur sooner rather than later.
It is difficult for me to fathom why Titans would cast Mercy, who has such a profound connection to Lex, unless they were also planning to introduce him. Last year, it was announced that DC Universe’s Lex Luthor/Lois Lane series, Metropolis, would be getting retooled. Could that have freed up the character to arrive on Titans? Stay tuned.
Tons of thrilling characters are set to be introduced alongside Mercy Graves in Titans Season 2. The series has cast its Deathstroke as well as his son, Jericho. Plus, one character from Season 1 will be getting a lot more to do. Lots to look forward to!
Titans Season 2 is expected to premiere at some point in 2019 on DC Universe, but there is a lot of new summer television to tide you over while you wait.
