Jefferson Pierce (Arrowverse)

Jefferson Pierce
Arrowverse character
Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce / Black Lightning
First appearance
Last appearance
Based on
Adapted bySalim Akil
Portrayed by
In-universe information
Alias
  • Black Lightning
  • Black Jesus
NicknameJeff
SpeciesMetahuman
Occupation
  • Member of the Crisis Team
  • Vigilante (in secret)
  • Principal of Garfield High School
  • Leader of Team Black Lightning
Affiliation
Family
  • Alvin Pierce † (father)
  • Ben Pierce † (grandfather)
SpouseLynn Stewart
Children

Jefferson "Jeff" Pierce, also known by his alter ego Black Lightning, is a fictional character in The CW's Arrowverse franchise, first introduced in the 2018 episode "The Resurrection"[1] of the television series Black Lightning. The character is based on the DC Comics character of the same name,[2] created by Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden,[3] and was adapted for television in 2018 by Salim Akil.[4] Jefferson Pierce has been continually portrayed by Cress Williams,[5] with Kaden Washington Lewis portraying a young Jefferson.[6]

In the series, Jefferson, is the principal of the Garfield High School, and a retired vigilante, who lives in Freeland. His powers are many, with electrokinesis, energy absorption and superhuman strength being a few. During the first season he has to return to his superhero life, and help his daughter, Anissa handle her powers, while also stopping his nemesis, Tobias Whale.[7] In the following seasons he has to deal with new threats, like A.S.A. and Markovia. He is a friend of fellow superhero, Central City-based superhero The Flash, who is also the leader of the Justice League.

Williams has appeared as Jefferson Pierce and his vigilante persona in two crossovers of the Arrowverse, the Crisis on Infinite Earths[8] and Armageddon.[9]

  1. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (November 16, 2017). "'Black Lightning' Gets Premiere Date, Post-'Flash' Time Slot By the CW". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 16, 2017. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  2. ^ "Black Lightning". DC. July 27, 2015. Archived from the original on January 2, 2022. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  3. ^ "Everything You Need to Know About BLACK LIGHTNING". Nerdist. Archived from the original on January 2, 2022. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  4. ^ Goldberg, Lesley; Cullins, Ashley (November 29, 2018). "'Black Lightning' Producer Salim Akil Sued for Alleged Domestic Violence". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 2, 2022. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  5. ^ "Actor Cress Williams Cast As The CW's Black Lightning". Fortress of Solitude. February 28, 2017. Archived from the original on January 2, 2022. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  6. ^ "Black Lightning – Shadow Of Death: The Book Of War". Starry Constellation Magazine. April 24, 2018. Archived from the original on January 7, 2022. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  7. ^ "Black Lightning Season 1 Episode Guide". Den of Geek. April 18, 2018. Archived from the original on January 2, 2022. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  8. ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (December 10, 2019). "Cress Williams on Black Lightning Joining 'Fictional' Arrowverse Heroes, Being the Object of Costume Envy". TVLine. Archived from the original on January 2, 2022. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  9. ^ Agard, Chancellor (November 11, 2021). "'The Flash' star Grant Gustin teases Barry and Black Lightning's 'heavy' reunion in 'Armageddon'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 2, 2022. Retrieved January 2, 2022.