Black Lightning May Get Static Shock

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Black Lightning Showrunner Wants Static Shock in the Series

By Nicole Sobon

Published Jun 16, 2017

While it may not happen right away, Black Lightning showrunner Salim Akil is hopeful he'll be able to include fan-favorite Static Shock.

DC Comics is set to introduce yet another hero on the CW when Black Lightning debuts on the superhero heavy network this fall. However, if co-showrunner Salim Akil gets his way, the titular hero may not be the only hero to debut on the series. In a recent interview with ATX Television Festival in Austin, Texas, Akil revealed that he hopes that his lead character will get to meet other DC heroes on the small screen down the line, including fan-favorite Static from Static Shock.

“I love the idea of Static Shock, and in success, hopefully, we’ll be able to pull other characters in that way,” Akil said. “So I’m holding out hope because I love that character.”

With Black Lightning confirmed not to appear as part of the Arrowverse -- which consists of Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, and Legends of Tomorrow -- bringing in a character such as Static Shock could be a smart move for the series. However, it may not be an easy task. There is a somewhat complicated rights issue surrounding the character, who was created by Milestone Comics founders Dwayne McDuffie and Denys Cowan before making the jump to DC Comics. There's also the fact that a television series has been in development for sometime from Milestone Media, with Jaden Smith rumored to be set as the titular hero.

Then again, while the series isn't set within the Arrowverse as of right now, there's always the chance that may change down the line, allowing the Black Lightning to have some other comic book visitors. For now, though, the world they're creating is meant to exist on its own because it's a much grittier and political show than the rest of the CW's DC line-up.

"The storytelling is a little bit more political. It’s topical, and it’s a little grittier," Akil said. "It doesn’t mean that down the road there won’t be visits.”

Premiering as part of The CW’s midseason lineup, Black Lightning stars Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce, China Anne McClain as Jennifer Pierce, Christine Adams as Lynn and Nafessa Williams as Anissa Pierce.

(via Comicbook)