‘Black Lightning’ Boss Hopes to Introduce DC’s Static Eventually

The CW’s Black Lightning will follow Supergirl’s lead in sticking to its own universe at first, but the electrifying new drama will eventually add DC characters of its own. One of them might be fan-favorite Static, as executive producer Salim Akil offers new insight into how Black Lightning will connect to the DC and CW universes.

The new comic drama hasn’t yet filmed a formal pilot, but Salim and partner Mara Brock Akil are already considering the future of Black Lightning. Speaking at an ATX Television Festival panel in Austin, Texas (h/t International Business Times), Salim explained a bit of the divide between Black Lightning and the other DC dramas, without ruling out a crossover down the line:

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

That said, Black Lightning may not have to venture to another universe to find fellow superheroes, as Salim has an interest in seeing Virgil Hawkins’ Static in live action one day:

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

The character of Static has been rumored for live-action for some time, between early reports of the first Legends of Tomorrow characters (the role turned to be Jefferson Jackson), and a supposed series from Django Unchained producer Reginald Hudlin. Jaden Smith was even rumored for the role, but nothing concrete has emerged in years.

In addition to Hart of Dixie alum Cress Wiliams in the title role, Black Lightning will see Christine Adams as Jefferson’s ex-wife Lynn, Twin Peaks star Nafessa Williams as Jefferson’s older daughter Anissa Pierce, and China Anne McClain as the younger Jennifer Pierce. Both later take on the comic identities of Thunder and Lightning.

Black Lightning won’t arrive until midseason, so watch the trailer below and stay tuned for the latest.