While fans of The CW’s Arrowverse are enjoying the epic “Crisis on Earth-X” crossover, behind the scenes The CW is preparing to launch their newest live-action hero with Black Lightning. They recently unveiled a short teaser clip.
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The show will star Cress Williams as Jefferson Williams aka Black Lightning. He’s a retired superhero who has the ability to harness and control electricity. He now works as the local high school principal. However, once his daughter gets recruited to join a local gang, Black Lightning will take to the streets once again in order to keep his home and town safe from those looking to destroy it.
The show will also star Nafessa Williams and China Anne McClain as Black Lightning’s daughters Jennifer and Anissa Pierce. Christine Adams will play Jefferson’s ex-wife Lynn Pierce.
The CW recently cast Chantal Thuy as Grace Choi. In the comics, Choi is an Amazon who was abandoned in man’s world where she found herself abused in a child prostitution ring. She eventually gained incredible strength and physical resilience. She was created by Judd Winick and Tom Raney and first appeared in Outsiders #1. She would become a part of the Outsiders hero team which was led by Roy Harper (Arsenal) and Nightwing. The team also featured Black Lightning. In fact, Black Lightning was a founding member of the original team which debuted in the Brave and Bold #200. However, he was not part of the team when Choi was a founding member.
It’s possible we might see a version of the Outsiders take shape in Black Lightning. However, in The CW’s adaptation it appears Choi will play a bartender who is Anissa Pierce’s love interest.
The main villain of the show will be Tobias Whale who will be portrayed by rapper Marvin “Krondon” Jones III. Tobias Whale is the leader of an extremely dangerous and brutal gang called The 100 in the comics.
As of right now, Black Lightning is not expected to crossover into The CW’s Arrowverse, but there is obviously plenty of opportunity to do so with the Outsiders given Roy Harper’s appearance in Arrow.
Black Lightning will debut on Tuesday, January 16 at 9/8c on The CW.