Black Lightning Will Have an Authentic Black Voice
“This family is like the Obamas of the superhero world.”
The CW adds another DC superhero to its roster with its launch of Black Lightning. Introducing the new show at Comic Con 2017 was Executive Producers Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil, as well as series stars Cress Williams (Jefferson Pierce/Black Lightning), Nafessa Williams (Anissa Pierce), China Anne McClain (Jennifer Pierce), and Christine Adams (Lyn Pierce).
Black Lightning follows the story of retired superhero and family man Jeff Pierce. Forced out of retirement, Pierce must once more don his persona as Black Lightning in order to stop the gang “The One Hundred” (no, not that 100!) from terrorizing his city.
There’s an important and impactful history behind Black Lightning — it was one of the first comic books to feature an African American superhero. Salim Akil thinks this is the story the world needs right now.
“This show will have an authentic black voice. This character will add something to the conversation.”
The show wants to portray a real family in the midst of its superhero world.
“We want people to get to know this family. Their powers, like their race, is only part of who they are.”
Two new additions to the cast include James Remar (Dexter) and Damon Gupton (Bates Motel). Remar will play Peter Gambi, an old friend and father figure of Jefferson’s. Gupton will play Inspector Henderson, a high-ranking detective on the police force.
“There’s definitely a problem with police brutality and we will get into that. There’s also a problem with us killing each other and we’ll talk about that too.”
Check out the special Comic Con trailer and pictures from the cast signing below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dM8dI_-P9o
And be sure to check out the Black Lightning cast in this hilarious Comic-Con confessional!
There’s two more days of fun at San Diego Comic Con 2017, so be sure to join us and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat @HelloNerdeek!
Don’t forget to keep a watch out for our San Diego Comic Con 2017 Review. We break it down for the ones who attended and the ones who want to make it for the future.
BLACK LIGHTNING will premiere in EARLY 2018 on THE CW.
