The CW Greenlights The Akils’ Black Lightning TV Series Posted by Wilson Morales
May 10, 2017
Source: Variety
Variety has confirmed that The CW has given a series order for The CW’s DC superhero Black Lightning that will be produced by DC’s Greg Berlanti and Mara Brock and Salim Akil.
The series mark the fifth DC superhero show from Berlanti at the CW, which is currently home to “Arrow,” “The Flash,” DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” and “Supergirl,” which have all been renewed for the 2017-2018 season.
Black Lightning, created by Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden, made his first appearance in 1977’s “Black Lightning” #1. The story follows Jefferson Pierce (played by Cress Williams), a former Olympian, who was secretly born with the ability to create and manipulate electromagnetic fields. Although he had abandoned his hometown in Metropolis’ Suicide Slum after the murder of his father, Pierce returns there with his wife and daughter, taking a job as a high school principal. It is after losing one of his students to the gang violence that threatens the city that Pierce decides to take advantage of his powers. Adopting the identity Black Lightning, he becomes a costumed superhero who goes on to serve as team member of both the Outsiders and the Justice League.
Also part of the series are Christine Adams, Nafessa Williams and China Anne McClain.
Adams will play Lynn, Jefferson’s ex-wife who exudes confidence and intelligence. Although she’s got a mischievous side, she’s not one to be trifled with when it comes to family.
Nafessa Williams and China Anne McClain are set to play Anissa Pierce and Jennifer, the daughters of title superhero Jackson Pierce. In the comics, Anissa and Jennifer become the super powered crime fighting duo Thunder and Lightning.
Black Lighting will be produced by Berlanti Productions and WBTV.
