DC is taking over New York Comic Con, even though some of it’s biggest attractions -- like Justice League -- aren’t here. During The Meet The Publisher’s panel with Jim Lee and Dan Didio, Warner Bros announced soul pioneer Jill Scott will be the newest castmember of Black Lightning on The CW. The series will be the fifth DCTV series in addition to The Flash, Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow and Supergirl.
Scott will play Lady Eve, a villain who with links to the Kobra Cult in comic lore. In Black Lightning , she is the middleman between Tobias Whale (Marvin “Krondon” Jones III) and a secret group of corrupt leaders. Always a consummate professional, Lady Eve presents herself in Freeland as the owner of a funeral parlor, but quickly becomes an adversary to Black Lightning.
Scott, a Philadelphia native, is a four-time Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter, New York Times best-selling author and critically acclaimed actress. “Jill is an amazing artist who can embody any character and give them an authentic voice that is both nuanced and richly complex,” said showrunner and executive producer Salim Akil in a press release. “I am excited to see her in the role of Lady Eve.”
Scott’s new role comes as a bit of surprise, but the timing doesn’t. At San Diego Comic-Con, the production team announced the roles of Gambi and Inspector Henderson, both staple Black Lightning comic book characters, will be played by James Remar and Damon Gupton. We did a deep dive on both of their roles here.
As for the big bad Tobias Whale, who Lady Eve will partner with, he’ll be played by L.A. rapper Marvin “Krondon” Jones III. An African-American man with albinism, Whale was a corrupt politician until he was taken down by Alvin Pierce, Black Lightning’s father. He killed Alvin in revenge, which drove him underground to build The 100 gang.
So far, Salim and Mara Akil’s adaption seems to be staying very true to Tony Isabella’s original run with the character (created with Trevor Von Eeden). Jill Scott’s role only adds to the anticipation. For more, check out our interviews with the main cast of Black Lightning from San Diego Comic-Con.
Are you excited? Let us know in the comments.
