As part of The CW’s trailer blowout today, the network offered up the scintillating first trailer for Mara Brock Ali and Salim Ali’s upcoming Black Lightning series.
Lifted from the pages of Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden’s comic book series, Black Lightning tells the story of Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams), a once-iconic costumed crusader who decided to retire from the superhero scene soon after becoming a father. China Anne McClain and Nafessa Williams will play Jefferson’s two daughters, Jennifer and Anissa, while we understand Christine Adams is attached to the part of his estranged wife, Lynn.
Per Deadline, here’s the official logline for Black Lightning: “He made his choice: He hung up the suit and his secret identity years ago, but with a daughter, Jennifer, 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 by no means the first DC comic book series to find a home at The CW, either, given Black Lightning now joins Arrow, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow and Supergirl – just keep in mind that the network’s fifth superhero show isn’t considered to be part of the Arrowverse. It’s a “separate situation,” as CW’s head honcho Mark Pedowitz tells EW:
“We do not aim to do a five-way crossover. Black Lightning, at this time, is not part of the Arrowverse. It is a separate situation. But there will be a big fourth quarter crossover with all four of the shows that are on in the fall.”
“Black Lightning was a savior who kept our streets and our schools safe. He was hope personified, but he was also Jefferson Pierce, my father.” Also starring Nafessa Williams, China Anne McClain and Christine Adams, Black Lightning will hope to whip up a storm when DC’s latest small-screen hero premieres via The CW. Expect it to arrive mid-way through 2018.
