One of the newest entries into DC Entertainment’s television series is Black Lightning, which is set to debut on The CW in 2018. With the network already boasting a slew of DC Comics-inspired shows, some have wondered if and when Black Lightning will join that shared canon.
Videos by ComicBook.com
But according to showrunner Salim Akil, there are no immediate plans for Black Lightning to cross over with the ‘Arrowverse’ of other shows. While speaking to ComicBook.com during San Diego Comic-Con, Akil revealed that Black Lightning’s primary focus is to properly establish its own set of characters. Check it out in the clip above!
“Right now, we’re not a part of that universe.” Akil revealed. “Unfortunately, I think people know Black Lightning the name, but a lot of people don’t know the character. What I wanted to do is let people get to know who he is, who Jefferson is first, who his family is, who his girls are first.”
With the show already breaking several norms of DCTV shows – such as not having villains of the week – Akil felt that a larger crossover – like the four-show crossover announced by The CW earlier today – would feel out of place in Black Lightning‘s first season.
“I thought, if we start bringing in other characters, then we’re going to start focusing on that sort of superhero movement.” Akil explained. “You know, ‘We’re fighting villains of the week,’ and we’re not doing that. It’s a more character-driven show, we focus on the family.”
However, Akil didn’t rule out the possibility of Black Lightning teaming up with characters from the other CW shows in subsequent seasons.
“I think after everyone gets to know who they are,” Akil teased, “then anything’s possible.”
Cress Williams, who portrays Black Lightning himself, expressed his excitement towards crossing over with other DC Comics heroes – even one who has yet to appear on the other DCTV shows.
“I would hope so.” Williams revealed. “Batman would be my favorite. He knows Superman as well, so maybe Jimmy Olsen shows up.”
MORE Black Lightning News:
- Black Lightning DC TV Welcome Video
- Black Lightning Adds New Cast Members
- Black Lightning Comic-Con Panel
SYNOPSIS: Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) is a man wrestling with a secret. As the father of two daughters and principal of a charter high school that also serves as a safe haven for young people in a New Orleans neighborhood overrun by gang violence, he is a hero to his community. Nine years ago, Pierce was a hero of a different sort. Gifted with the superhuman power to harness and control electricity, he used those powers to keep his hometown streets safe as the masked vigilante Black Lightning. However, after too many nights with his life on the line, and seeing the effects of the damage and loss that his alter ego was inflicting on his family, he left his Super Hero days behind and settled into being a principal and a dad.
Choosing to help his city without using his superpowers, he watched his daughters Anissa (Nafessa Williams) and Jennifer (China Anne McClain) grow into strong young women, even though his marriage to their mother, Lynn (Christine Adams), suffered. Almost a decade later, Pierce’s crime-fighting days are long behind him…or so he thought. But with crime and corruption spreading like wildfire, and those he cares about in the crosshairs of the menacing local gang The One Hundred, Black Lightning returns — to save not only his family, but also the soul of his community.
