The CW’s Black Lightning synopsis and casting plans have been revealed

Last Updated on July 31, 2021

Man, I must be out of the loop or something, because this is the first time I'm hearing about The CW's plans to bring on not just a new superhero series, but one that will feature a lead African-American cast. The show is called BLACK LIGHTNING, and from the look of it, this new comic book-inspired program will be setting itself apart from the rest of the pack in more ways than one.

For starters, the lead character will not be a young twenty-something, but instead a middle-aged man with teen and young adult children of his own. As of the moment, the show has only been granted a pilot order, but if the success of The CW's other superhero shows is any indication, this one will have no problems being picked up for a full-series order. 

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Black Lightning's power set, the character is a metahuman able to manipulate magnetic fields around his body – using them to stun or kill depending on the circumstances. Additionally, Black Lightning can hurl energy-derived projectiles, which also gives him the ability to fly for brief periods of time. In the past, Black Lightning has helped save Superman's life and has been trained in the art of combat by Batman himself. Whoa, okay, so this dude is serious, then. Nice. 

In an effort to get the pilot up and going, descriptions for the show's four lead characters have popped up online via That Hashtag Show. Let's make our way down the list, shall we?

Jefferson Pierce: 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.

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.

Annisa: 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: 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.

For more on the plot of BLACK LIGHTNING, check out this synopsis:

Black Lightning centers on Jefferson Pierce. He made his choice: He hung up the suit and his secret identity years ago, but with a daughter 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.

Filming for the pilot episode is expected to start in March of 2017. Here's hoping that Black Lightning can turn some heads and perhaps lead to other bold and forward-thinking comic book-related shows making the rounds.