First Look: Cress Williams as Black Lightning
The first image of Cress Williams as Black Lightning has been shared by The CW.
Williams will play the tile role of Jefferson Pierce aka Black Lightning in the upcoming series which will be directed, written and executive produced by Salim Akil.
Courtesy of The CW
About Black Lightning’s character and new suit, Akil revealed to Variety:
“Resurrecting him at a time in our society when a sense of hope is lacking…Black Lightning will be that hope. And in updating the suit, it will signal to a new generation that it’s time to harness and release our power, and become our own superheroes.”
The Black Lightning series will follow Pierce’s life after he’s hung up the suit, but is ultimately pulled back into the fray to help his two daughters who will be played by China Anne McClain and Nafessa Williams.
Black Lightning was first seen in DC Comics in 1977 after he was created by Trevor Von Eeden and Tony Isabella. He was the first African-American DC character to be featured in a standalone comic book.
On the importance of comics and Black Lightning as a character, Akil said:
“Comics were a great way for me to escape. I was about 13 when Black Lightning was created, and finally there was a Black superhero that gave a damn about our neighbourhood and our lives.”
I think it’s safe to say that the Black Lightning series in good hands with Salim Akil.
Black Lightning is currently filming in Atlanta and The CW will decide whether to pick-up the show for the 2017-2018 season later this spring.
Let us know what you think about Black Lightning’s new suit in the comments below!
