Cress Williams Set to Play BLACK LIGHTNING for The CW

The Black Lightning pilot from Greg Berlanti, Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil was originally set up at Fox. But after the network passed, the pilot moved over to The CW, joining Berlanti’s other DC superhero shows. With production beginning next month, the pilot is currently in the casting phase. Now, we know who’s playing the titular hero.

It has been announced (via The Hollywood Reporter) that Hart of Dixie and Prison Break alum Cress Williams is set to play Jefferson Pierce, aka Black Lightning. Pierce hung up the Black Lightning identity years ago, but with a daughter hell-bent 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 is written by the Akils, who also executive produce alongside Berlanti and Sarah Schechter.

With Black Lightning cast, we should be hearing about the pilot’s supporting cast soon. Stay tuned.