‘Black Lightning’ Comes to the CW

The CW has announced the development Black Lightning, which would be the network’s fifth show to join their continuity of DC Comics TV shows, Supergirl, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow and Arrow, dubbed by fans the “Arrowverse.”

Originally, Black Lightning was being developed for the Fox network by Greg Berlanti, who currently produces the shows of the Arrowverse. Recently, the Fox network decided to pass on Black Lightning, so Berlanti has taken the show to the CW, where a pilot has been ordered. The pilot has been written by Salim Akil (The Game) and Mara Brock Akil (The Game).

Sources state that should Black Lightning be greenlit for a full series on the CW, it would be staggered with the current 2017-2018 lineup. There have been no casting announcements as of yet.

Black Lightning is based on the superhero of the same name who first appeared in Black Lightning #1 in 1977. Since then, he has appeared in the pages of The Outsiders, Justice League and DC Comics Presents. His secret identity is Jefferson Pierce, a teacher who lives in Suicide Slum, the worst neighborhood in the city of Metropolis. In a time of the Civil Rights Movement, Black Lightning is notable for being the first black superhero in DC Comics to have his own title.

Black Lightning was co-created by Tony Isabella, who also created Black Goliath for Marvel Comics and wrote for Luke Cage; and Trevor Von Eeden, who also worked on Batman and Green Arrow for DC, and Luke Cage for Marvel.

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Nick Corbin

Nick Corbin is a filmmaker and writer who hails from Boise, Idaho. When he isn’t busy acting, or writing a screenplay for his own production company, Nick can be found consuming any geek media he can get his hands on. To start a conversation, ask him about the latest cosplay he is working on.