The newly-released photo also reveals that Thunder is the alter ego of Anissa Pierce, who is portrayed by Nafessa Williams.
- Jan 5, 2018
AceShowbiz - "Black Lightning" has shared another new photo ahead of its Tuesday, January 16 series premiere, giving first look at a second superhero on the show. The picture shows Anissa Pierce (Nafessa Williams) in costume as Thunder.
Anissa is the older daughter of Jefferson Pierce a.k.a. Black Lightning. She is in medical school and teaches part-time at Jefferson's school. In the comic books, Anissa and her younger sister Jennifer follow in their father's footsteps and become superheroes, taking on the names of Thunder and Lightning, respectively.
The upcoming DCTV series centers on Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams), who hung up the suit and his secret identity years ago. 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.
China Anne McClain stars as Jennifer Pierce, who is described as "an independent, outspoken scholar-athlete with a wild streak of her own." She is a student at her dad's school. It remains to be seen if Jennifer will also slip into her superhero costume at some point on the TV series.
Other cast members on the show are Christine Adams as Jefferson's ex-wife Lynn Pierce, James Remar as Jefferson's oldest friend Peter Gambi who also becomes a father figure and mentor to him, and Damon Gupton as detective Henderson. Meanwhile, Marvin Jones III and Charlbi Dean Kriek are tapped as villains Tobias Whale and Syonide, respectively.
Developed by Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil, "Black Lightning" marks the first black superhero show on The CW's Arrowverse. Brock Akil and Akil also executive produce the series along with Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter. The show will air on Tuesdays at 9 P.M. on The CW after "The Flash".
