Black Lightning is large and in charge on The CW.
Deadline reported late yesterday that The CW has picked up Black Lightning, based on the DC Comics superhero, and given the drama a series order.
Black Lightning centers on Jefferson Pierce, who hung up his suit and his secret identity years ago, but with a daughter hell-bent 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 legend Black Lightning. The cast includes:
Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce / Black Lightning, who was described in a previous casting description as a "former 3-time gold medal decathlon winner who is now principal of a high school in South Central Los Angeles. A father figure to his student and hero to the local community. Jefferson is charming, charismatic, smart, and has both warmth and humor. He is devoted to his two daughters and remains deeply in love with his ex-wife Lynn. He also has a great passion for justice and a quick temper that he has spent years learning how to control."
Christine Adams as Lynn Pierce, Jefferson's ex-wife. Lynn was described as "exudes confidence and intelligence. Beautiful, but not to be trifled with. Can exhibit both great emotional depth as well as a flirtatious, mischievous side."
China Anne McClain as Jennifer Pierce, who becomes the superhero Lightning in the comics. Jennifer was described as "Jefferson’s younger daughter. Jennifer is a scholar athlete; beautiful with a lean, athletic runner’s build. She is the entitled feminist of the Pierce family. Independent and outspoken with a wild streak."
Nafessa Williams as Anissa Pierce, who becomes the superhero Thunder in the comics. Anissa was described as "Jefferson’s elder daughter. Beautiful, quick-witted and intelligent; intense and passionate. Anissa has a great respect for her father. Anissa balances the demands of medical school with her duties as a part time teacher at Jefferson’s school."
Black Lightning was developed by Greg Berlanti (famous for the four DC Comics series currently on The CW), Mara Brock Akil and her husband Salim Akil (The Game, Being Mary Jane). The series is from Warner Bros. Television, Berlanti Productions and Akil Productions. Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil will serve as executive producers with Berlanti Productions' Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter.
The new series makes the fifth DC Comics series on The CW from Berlanti Productions, including Arrow, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, and Supergirl. Riverdale, based on the Archie Comics titles, makes six comic book series from Berlanti Productions now on The CW. In addition, iZombie, based on the DC Comics/VERTIGO series, was just renewed by The CW for Season 4, bringing the total to seven.