The CW recruits former network star for BLACK LIGHTNING pilot!

The CW’s DC Comics “Berlantiverse” is going full speed ahead with a fifth superhero show. Black Lightning, based off one of DC’s first major African-American heroes, is currently in the works and has just found its lead for the pilot!

Prison Break baddie and Hart of Dixie star Cress Williams joins the project as Jefferson Pierce, a metahuman with the ability to generate and manipulate electrical currents, control force fields, and even do a bit of flying.

According to Deadline, Black Lightning is a reluctant hero, but one who’s out to make a difference in his community:

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.

Given that the character is a metahuman, we can’t help but wonder if he’ll make an appearance on The Flash before getting his own series!

Right now, Black Lightning is only in the pilot stage, awaiting full series approval from the network. Greg Berlanti will executive producer alongside writer/creators Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil, who also helmed Being Mary Jane.