Word has come in that The CW has found its lead for BLACK LIGHTNING, the upcoming superhero show featuring an all-African-American cast to lead the charge. Ah, but who will be touching down as the program's electronically-charged hero? Why, it's none other than Cress Williams, star of such programs as CODE BLACK, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, PRISON BREAK, and like, fifty other roles.
Originally written for Fox, until the network took a pass on the opportunity, BLACK LIGHTNING will be written by husband-and-wife duo Salim and Mara Brock Akil. According to the series official synopsis:
Black Lightning centers on Jefferson Pierce. He made his choice: He hung up the suit and his secret identity years ago, but 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 legend Black Lightning.
It's been stated that BLACK LIGHTNING will not cross-over into other CW-related superhero programs like ARROW, LEGENDS OF TOMORROW, and SUPERGIRL. In speaking on that, the show's producer, Greg Berlanti, had this to share, "If we’re lucky enough that that exists, that that show exists, I don’t think those worlds will cross over."
I think this is a smart call. Not to say that a cross-over wouldn't work, but I kind of dig the idea of BLACK LIGHTNING doing it's own thing. As much fun as The CW's "Invasion" cross-over event was, I think it will be beneficial for this new show to set itself apart as something that doesn't need the aid of other heroes to make its mark.
The pilot episode of BLACK LIGHTNING is expected to film in New Orleans beginning in March of this year, though at this time the show does not have a concrete filming schedule. I've personally got high hopes for this one. I like what I've seen in regard to the show's casting, and it wouldn't hurt for The CW to make some strides in having a more diverse lineup among their popular superhero programming.