For nearly 40 years, Black Lighting‘s profile has risen and fallen in the DC Universe. But now, Black Lightning may be getting his own television series from Greg Berlanti, one of the primary executive producers behind Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.

According to Deadline, Berlanti is teaming up with The Game and Being Mary Jane creator Mara Brock Akil and her husband Salim Akil for Black Lightning, and this project has been in the works for a while. As originally conceived by  Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden in 1977, Black Lightning was Jefferson Pierce, a man who was born with the power to bend electricity to his will. Black Lightning became DC’s first black superhero to headline his own title, as he became inspired to bring take down the gang known as the 100, which was dominating the Southside of Metropolis. He went on to become a founding member of the Outsiders, and he later joined the Justice League as well.

Deadline’s report indicates that the TV series will pick up with Jefferson Pierce years after he retired his heroic identity. However, his daughter’s crusade for justice and the activities of a local gang force Pierce to once again become Black Lightning even though he is a wanted man in the eyes of the law. In the comics, Pierce had two daughters: Anissa and Jennifer, both of whom inherited similar powers of electricity from their father. Anissa and Jennifer went on to join the Outsiders and the Justice Society, respectively.

Since the New 52 reboot, Black Lightning has been very underused. However, a Black Lightning television series would probably change that if it goes forward.

Who do you think should play Black Lightning on TV? Embrace the thunder and share your dream picks in the comment section below!

Image: DC Comics