‘Black Lightning’ Star Krondon On Getting The Role Of Tobias Whale

Rapper Marvin “Krondon” Jones III has opened up about getting the series regular role of Tobias Whale in the upcoming CW series “Black Lightning.”

Shortly after news of his casting was announced on Thursday, Krondon took to Instagram to thank executive producers Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil for believing in his talent and entrusting the huge role to him. Although Krondon didn’t reveal any additional details about his character, he did write on his social media post that landing the villainous role is a “dream come true” for him.

Cress Williams, who plays the show’s titular superhero, took to Twitter to welcome Krondon to the series. Krondon thanked Williams in a tweet and expressed his excitement about working with him.

READ: Does Cress Williams want “Black Lightning” to join the Arrowverse?

Developed by Brock Akil and Akil, alongside executive producers Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter, “Black Lightning” follows the story of retired superhero Jefferson Pierce (Williams) who 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 Freeland’s most feared gang — The 100.

According to the character’s official description, Tobias — an African-American man with albinism — is the leader of The 100. Before becoming the head of The 100, Tobias was a politician who was rising up the ranks of local government through illegal means. His political career, however, came to an end when Jefferson’s father, Alvin Pierce, stepped up and exposed his corrupt activities to the public.

Furious about what Alvin did, Tobias murdered him and was driven underground into exile. There, he found a place to rebuild and became the violent and methodical leader of The 100. When Black Lightning steps out of retirement, Tobias’ desire to emerge from the shadows has been ignited.

Albinistic like his character, Krondon is relatively new to the acting scene. Although the rapper’s only acting credit is a 2011 episode of “Harry’s Law,” Akil thinks that Krondon is perfect for the role.

“I was excited about Krondon when I saw his audition,” Akil said in a statement. “His authentic street sensibility along with an insightful intelligence is perfect for the Tobias character arc. Not to mention his regal physical bearing will be additive to making our show exciting and different.”

Besides being the leader of Strong Arm Steady — an underground group of rappers from the West Coast hip-hop scene— Krondon is also a solo artist. He released his debut album “Everything’s Nothing” in 2013, and has also written music for the likes of Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Xzibit.

“Black Lightning” will premiere midseason on The CW.