The ‘Black Lightning’ Cast Takes Us Behind the Scenes of Season 2 (PHOTOS)
When Pierce family confidant Peter Gambi (James Remar) brought straight-arrow deputy police chief Bill Henderson (Damon Gupton, right, with Remar) to the underground locale where he monitors Freeland’s crime world and assists his superhero pals, Henderson learned just how vital Gambi has been to Black Lightning and Co. “Gambi can’t fly or bend steel,” Remar says, “but he’s got a super brain and he can outsmart some pretty smart people!”
According to Christine Adams, aka family matriarch Lynn, the talent behind the Pierces — from left, Cress Williams (Jefferson/Black Lightning), Adams, China Anne McClain (Jennifer/Lightning) and Nafessa Williams (Anissa/Thunder) — is just as strong and loving as they are on TV. “We very much mirror the onscreen [dynamic],” she says. “That’s the way it’s been since day one!”
“Ripping out Khalil’s spine was the most gruesome scene I’ve done in two seasons,” admits Marvin “Krondon” Jones III, who plays crime boss Tobias Whale. The “spine,” a heavy metal prop wired with interface modules, was built onto actor Jordan Calloway’s back. ‘I had to pull it out with one big heave,” Jones adds. Although Tobias is currently locked up in a power-dampening collar, “we haven’t seen the last of him,” Jones promises. “He’s too smart and too calculating!”
Giselle Cutter (Kearran Giovanni), Whale’s hired assassin, set her sights on killing Khalil (Calloway, right, with Giovanni), the twice-resurrected suitor of Jennifer “Lightning” Pierce, but failed. (The two are clearly not mortal enemies on set!) Castmate Remar is impressed by the character’s resilience. “Khalil is like young Darth Vader,” he says. “He went to the dark side — but he came back!”
“The show is called Black Lightning,” says Williams (right, with exec producer Salim Akil), “but I would argue that what [alter ego] Jefferson has done at Garfield High as principal [and teacher] is more important than being Black Lightning.” It seems school’s out for Season 3, though. “If this war coming to Freeland’s doorstep is true, then Jefferson and the family are invested in wanting to protect it,” Williams explains.
The visual effects of Black Lightning’s bolts, which sent murderous metahuman Coldsnap (MMA fighter Derrick Lewis, right, with Williams) soaring, are added in postproduction, but shooting fight scenes is grueling regardless. Notes Williams, “It’s taxing, especially when you’re running around with an extra 40 pounds [of costume]!” The actor is excited for an upgraded suit in Season 3. “It’s much more comfortable,” he says.
Playing comic book-inspired heroes — or villains — is fun for Black Lightning‘s close-knit cast, but it can get pretty intense. Click through the gallery for a peek at Season 2 secrets from behind the scenes.
Black Lightning, Season 3 Premiere, Monday, October 21, 9/8c, The CW
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