DC Comics take Black Lightning, originally developed at Fox, brings Hart of Dixie grad Cress Williams back to the network to take on the role of Jefferson Pierce, the hero who he 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 project, sources note, will likely bow in midseason, given that only a short pilot presentation was filmed. The series marks the first drama to stem from The Game alums Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil, the latter who penned and directed the pilot, via their overall deal with producers Warner Bros. Television. The duo executive produce alongside studio-based Greg Berlanti and his Greg Berlanti Productions topper Sarah Schechter. Black Lightning joins a roster of DC Comics-themed dramas at The CW that also includes previously renewed The Flash, Arrow, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow and Riverdale — all produced by Berlanti. Nafessa Williams, China Anne McClain and Christine Adams co-star.