A few weeks ago, we reported that producersGreg BerlantiandMara Brock Akilwere moving theirDC ComicsTV seriesBlack Lightningfrom Fox to The CW, which means there are plenty of crossover possibilities with the network’s current stable of DC shows. Now that the show has found a proper network home, the show has shifted into casting mode, withCress Williamssigning on to play the title character, a.k.a. Jerfferson Pierce. The casting bringsCress Williamsback to The CW two years after the network canceledHart of Dixie, which he starred in alongsideRachel BilsonandJaime King.
The Hollywood Reporterbroke this casting news, although no further details were given about the character or the series as a whole, other than what has already been announced. The series will center onJefferson Pierce, who hung up the suit and his secret identity years ago. However, with a daughter hellbent on justice and a star student being recruited by a local gang, he’ll be pulled back into the fight as the wanted vigilante and DC legendBlack Lightning.
Black Lightningwas one of DC Comics' first majorAfrican-American superheroes, making his debut in 1977. In the comics, Jefferson has two daughters, both of whom become heroes in their own right. Anissa Pierce becomes known as Thunder, who eventually joins a superhero group known as The Outsiders, while Jennifer Pierce becomes Lightning, who is recruited by the Justice Society of America. It isn’t known if either of these characters will be featured in the TV series, but the Justice Society of America has already been established on another CW series,Legends of Tomorrow. The network frequently crosses over between their DC shows, so it’s possible thatBlack Lightningmay eventually join the JSA.
The GamecreatorMara Brock Akiland her husbandSalim Akilwill executive produce alongsideGreg Berlantiand his Berlanti Productions partner Sarah Schechter. The initial report revealed that Warner Bros. Television had been working on this project for well over a year, with various different incarnations being developed before it was ready to be shopped to networks. IfBlack Lightningdoes go to series, it will join The CW’sArrow,The Flash,Legends of Tomorrow,SupergirlandiZombie, along with Fox’sGothamandLuciferas part of DC’s TV slate.
Cress Williamsis perhaps best known for playing Lavon Hayes in all four seasons of The CW’sHart of Dixie, but he has been a mainstay on other hit shows as well. The actor has had recurring roles on shows such asNash Bridges,Providence,Veronica Mars,Close to Home,ER,Grey’s Anatomy,Prison BreakandFriday Night Lights. He currently recurs on CBS’Code Black, and he will be seen on the big screen later this year inLowriders, hitting theaters May 12. Hopefully we’ll get more casting news forBlack Lightningsoon.
