‘Black Lightning’: Does Cress Williams Want New CW Series To Join Arrowverse?

“Black Lightning” star Cress Williams revealed that he’s more interested in exploring the show’s separate world than joining the Arrowverse.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Williams said that he has a number of reasons why he likes the fact that “Black Lightning” is not part of the Arrowverse.

“One, it’s the logistical fact that we’re shooting in Atlanta and all the other Arrowverse shows (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Supergirl” and “Legends of Tomorrow”) shoot in Vancouver, so logistically that would be very, very complicated to make it work,” Williams said. “But also, again, we’re a different type of show. I’ve told people we’re a family drama with superpowers on top of it. Then, I’m really more intrigued about what happens as my daughters develop abilities. When it’s all said and done, when we’re really up and running seasons down the line, you’re going to have a show with three superheroes on it, so it’s not a solo show, but it’ll almost be like a team. So I’m really excited about unwrapping all of that more than combining universes.”

READ: ‘Arrow,’ ‘The Flash,’ ‘Supergirl,’ ‘Legends Of Tomorrow’ 2017 four-way crossover teased

While Williams is less interested in doing a crossover with other CW superhero shows, his co-stars Nafessa Williams and China Anne McClain — who play his daughters on the new series — are actually hoping for one.

During an interview with DC All Access at the 2017 CW Upfront, Nafessa and China Ann were asked if there will be a crossover between “Black Lightning” and any Arrowverse shows in the future. While Williams and McLain weren’t sure whether a crossover is a possibility, both actresses were thrilled with the idea.

“We’re hoping. In our dreams, yeah,” Nafessa said.

“If we did, Flash, I’m coming for you, man,” added China Ann.

Although showrunners Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil want to create a new world for “Black Lightning,” they aren’t completely nixing the idea of crossovers eventually. “The storytelling [of the show] is a little bit more political. It’s topical, and it’s a little grittier [but] it doesn’t mean that down the road there won’t be visits,” Salim said at the ATX Television Festival in June.

“Black Lightning” revolves around father-of-two Jefferson Pierce (Williams) who retired from his superhero gig as Black Lightning nine years ago. He, however, is forced to return to his vigilante ways when one of his daughters becomes hell-bent on justice, and the other is being recruited by a local gang. Nafessa and China Ann play Jefferson’s daughters Anissa and Jennifer, respectively, who will eventually get their own powers, too. “Black Lightning” also stars Christine Adams as Lynn Pierce, the siblings’ mom and Jefferson’s former wife.

“Black Lightning” will premiere midseason on The CW.