Cress Williams, recognized for his roles in TV series Hart of Dixie and Code Black, has been cast to play the lead role in CW's new superhero pilot, Black Lightning. Williams' alter-ego, Jefferson Pierce, is a high school principal who has retired from superhero crime-fighting until the protection of his family forces his return.
In the comics, Black Lightning can create bolts of electrical current and project them to repel enemies. He also believed in helping the public good and ended up as a Cabinet Secretary during the administration of President Lex Luthor. In this series, produced by Greg Berlanti, Pierce is more devoted to his two daughters who might be showing similar powers as well.
The Hollywood Reporter says that Williams' new stint is a homecoming of sorts to him as CW aired his former show Hart of Dixie six years ago. Williams is a familiar face to TV viewers. Sci-fi buffs might remember his guest appearances in series like Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.
Berlanti and company have a high batting average when it comes to launching TV stars. Supergirl's Melissa Benoist, Arrow's Stephen Amell, and The Flash's Grant Gustin were all experienced, talented, but relatively unknown actors until they signed on to come aboard his shows. Williams just might rekindle his career with this new role. The demographic audience watching him might also be a little broader as CW has positioned Black Lightning as a family drama.
In the meantime, while the pilot is in development, the clip below of the animated Black Lightning can give you an idea of what our superhero can do.
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