The son of the late actress Naya Rivera is stepping into the family business. Josey Dorsey, the 10-year-old boy Rivera shared with actor Ryan Dorsey, has landed his first film role, marking a poignant new chapter for the child who has largely stayed out of the public eye since his mother’s tragic death in 2020.
The project is currently identified as Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One, though specific details about Josey’s character, the film’s plot, or its release date have not been disclosed. No director or additional cast members have been announced beyond Rivera’s name attached to the project, which is listed under the HOLLYWOOD industry designation. The film’s runtime and genre remain unspecified at this time, leaving fans to speculate on the nature of the production and the scope of Josey’s involvement.
For those unfamiliar with the source material, Batman: The Long Halloween is a celebrated DC Comics storyline, originally published in the 1990s, that follows the Dark Knight as he investigates a series of holiday-themed murders in Gotham City. The tale is often praised for its noir atmosphere and its deep dive into the origins of several iconic villains. However, without confirmation of whether this new project is an animated feature, a live-action adaptation, or something else entirely, the announcement raises more questions than answers.
What is clear is the emotional weight of the news. Josey was only four years old when Rivera drowned during a boating trip at Lake Piru in California. His mother, best known for her role as Santana Lopez on the hit series Glee, was 33 at the time. In the years since, Ryan Dorsey has raised Josey largely away from the Hollywood spotlight, occasionally sharing glimpses of their life together on social media. The decision to allow Josey to take on his first acting job is a significant one, and it suggests that the family feels ready to embrace a path that once defined his mother’s career.
Rivera’s legacy in entertainment is well documented. Beyond Glee, she appeared in a range of television shows and films, and her passing prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues and fans worldwide. Her son’s newfound interest in acting could be seen as a continuation of that legacy, though it is also simply the story of a child exploring a creative outlet. Ryan Dorsey has not yet commented publicly on the casting, and no statements from representatives for the family or the production have been released.
The news of Josey’s casting arrives during a period of renewed attention on Rivera’s life and work. Earlier this year, several retrospectives on Glee reignited conversations about the show’s cultural impact and the personal struggles faced by some of its cast members. Rivera’s story, in particular, has been revisited multiple times, with fans often expressing hope that Josey would one day find his own path in the arts if that was what he wanted.
It remains to be seen how involved Josey will be in the project or whether this marks the beginning of a longer acting career. At ten years old, he is young enough that this could be a one-time experience or the start of something sustained. The industry has seen many instances of children of famous performers stepping into the spotlight at similar ages, with varying outcomes. Some forge lasting careers, while others choose to step away after a brief taste of the business.
For now, though, the focus is on the simple fact of the announcement. A child who lost his mother far too soon is beginning to make his own mark in the world, and the timing feels deliberate. There is a certain symmetry in his debut being tied to a Batman story - a narrative centered on a hero shaped by loss, grappling with justice and memory. Whether that parallel is intentional or coincidental is unknown, but it adds a layer of poignancy to the news.
The project itself remains shrouded in mystery. Given the title’s reference to a well-known Batman arc, industry watchers might expect a direct adaptation, but the lack of a release date or studio confirmation suggests the film could be in early development. It is also possible that this listing is a placeholder or that the title refers to a working name rather than a final product. Without official comment, those details are speculative at best.
What can be said with certainty is that Josey Dorsey is following a path his mother once walked, and that this milestone will resonate deeply with those who followed Rivera’s career and cared about her family. Grief and creativity often intersect in unexpected ways, and for a boy who grew up hearing stories about his mother’s life on set, stepping in front of a camera might feel less like a departure and more like a homecoming.
Hollywood will be watching to see how this unfolds, but the most important observers are likely those closest to Josey. Ryan Dorsey has been a steadfast presence in his son’s life, and any decision regarding his career would presumably have been made with care and consideration. For now, the announcement stands as a hopeful note - a young person beginning a journey, with the memory of his mother guiding the way.
Source: Hollywood Reporter