Now that the latest Greg Berlanti DC pilot has ended up at The CW with its brethren, it has also found its star. Black Lightning has cast Cress Williams as the title character, otherwise known as Jefferson Pierce. In the show, Jefferson, who had considered himself finished with his alter ego, is prompted to return to crime fighting. Married team Salim and Mara Brock Akil wrote the script, and the two will also executive produce with comic-book TV show impresario Berlanti. This marks the first show in the Berlanti universe centered on a black superhero; while others have appeared in his various series as members of a superhero ensemble, none are the sole titular character.
Williams was a series regular on the network’s Hart Of Dixie, playing town mayor Lavon Hayes. He has also had stints on both Friday Night Lights and Veronica Mars.