Black Lightning: The CW’s Next DC Hero Revealed

Already home to four series based on DC Comics characters including Arrow, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, and Supergirl, The CW is now making way for a fifth addition to their DC universe. Black Lightning, based on the DC Comics hero created in 1977 by Tony Isabella with Trevor Von Eeden, will star Cress Williams (Code Black, Hart of Dixie) in the titular role of Jefferson Pearce/Black Lightning. Coming along for the ride are Nafeesa Williams (Code Black) and Christine Adams (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.). According to a recent press release, the upcoming pilot for the potential CW series is described as follows:

Jefferson Pierce made his choice: he hung up the suit and his secret identity years ago, but with one daughter hell-bent on justice and the other 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.

Produced by Greg Berlanti (Arrow), Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil (The Game), and Sarah Schechter (Arrow), Black Lightning‘s initial pilot production is underway and is to be filmed in Atlanta, Georgia. The pilot will be written and directed by Salim Akil. In order to get potential viewers buzzing Warner Bros. Television has released the first official image of Cress Williams in costume as Jefferson Pierce/Black Lightning. Check it out:

Designed by Laura Jean Shannon, who has worked on such projects as Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, The Jungle Book, Blade: Trinity, and Iron Man, the costume for Black Lightning definitely falls right in line with the look and feel we’ve come to expect from The CW’s DC Comics series. The costume has a modern quality to it while also remaining true to the source material. Now we just have to see it in motion. We’ll keep you informed as to when you’ll be able to see Black Lightning hit the small screen. In the mean time, feel free to let us know what you think of this costume reveal.