A lot of news has built over the last couple weeks involving the Black Lightning series, such as a pilot order being dropped by the FOX network and subsequently picked up by The CW. Now, we have a confirmed casting for the titular lead of Jefferson Pierce, the hero known as Black Lightning, to be played by Cress Williams.
Cress Williams will be playing Black Lightning (real name Jefferson Pierce) one of the first major African-American superheroes to appear in DC Comics. He debuted in Black Lightning #1 (April 1977).
His character is described as:
- Jefferson Pierce: Â Male, African-American, late 30s to 50. Handsome, fit, with an athletic build. 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. Think Idris Elba. LEAD.
With production said to begin in March, the Black Lightning series is expected to air for the 2017-2018 season. Cress Williams will be bringing new life to the superhero universe established on The CW, by being a former hero coming out of retirement after a student being recruited by local gangs spurs him to put on the heroic threads once again. Fans have already been introduced the idea of heroes existing before Oliver Queen becomes the Hood in Star City four years ago, with the inclusion of the Justice Society of America in the Legends of Tomorrow storyline.
Character descriptions for three of the other leads:
- Jennifer: Female. African-American, LEGAL 18 to play 16. 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. SERIES REGUALR, ASP.
- Anissa: Female. African-American, to play 22. JEFFERSON’s elder daughter. Beautiful, quick-witted and intelligent; intense and passionate. ANISSA has a great respect for her father. ANISA balances the demands of medical school with her duties as a part time teacher at JEFFERSON’s school. SERIES REGULAR, ASP.
- Lynn:Â Female, African-American, mid 30s to 50. Exudes confidence and intelligence. Beautiful, but not to be trifled with. Can exhibit both great emotional depth as well as a flirtatious, mischievous side. SERIES REGULAR, ASP.
