10 Facts We Learned About ‘Black Lightning’ at Heroes and Villains Fan Fest: Chicago

There was a lot to learn about some of our favorite shows this year at Heroes and Villains Fan Fest in Chicago.

This year is the first time that Black Lightning has been on television, and the stars of the hit show celebrated by giving an excellent panel to the fans who are thirsty for knowledge.

Here is a list of ten of the most exciting things we learned about the show and its amazing actors.

1. MLK Debut Was No Coincidence

The first question out of the gate was about the timing of the shows debut coinciding with Martin Luther King Day. Marvin “Krondon” Jones III replied, “It was more so a strategic marketing. And I think it was a beautiful omen for what the show represents.”

“The unity and community and the positive message about comradery, and family and taking on the bad things that society brings to us head-on. Making an individual effort to make change is what Martin Luther King stood for and I think that is what overall what Black Lightning stands for,” he continued.

James Remar added, “I’m of the opinion that Dr. King would like the show. He would be very proud of our efforts and that we are all doing it together.”

2. Cast Members Respect Each Other

When a cast gets along, it really shows. Some of the scenes wouldn’t have the same authenticity otherwise.

Cress Williams considers James Remar a lifelong friend. James Remar talked to the crowd about Marvin “Krondon” Jones III saying, “This is the sweetest guy you can hope to know. I want him on my back because he is a great guy.”

Marvin “Krondon” Jones III  mentioned, “I have cast members that I revere and respect in such a way that I wanted my role in the show to be pivotal one.”

3. The Legion of Superheroes

The cast members also shared who their favorite superheroes were when they were younger.

“I liked the Legion of Superheroes because I was a kid and they were kids. I loved Lightning Lad and Cosmic Boy. The Legion of Superheroes were my favorites,” said James Remar.

4. Arrowverse Crossover

When the topic of a possible crossover with the Arrowverse came up, Cress Williams commented, “Logistically it’s a challenge because we shoot in Atlanta and all the other DC shows shoot in Vancouver. I think Selena has talked a little on record about creating a Lightningverse, and seeing other characters like Static Shock and other DC characters joining the Lightningverse in Atlanta. But there’s nothing being talked about at this moment.”

Nonetheless, if Barry and Team Flash could pop up for just a second while traveling between earths, for whatever reason, shouldn’t he? It worked for Supergirl.

5. Underlying Message

All superhero shows seem to have themes. Cress Williams established what he feels the moral of this story is, saying, “I think that the show is doing the idea of affecting the world around you in a positive way.”

“I try to live by the idea leave things better than how you found them; whether in your workplace or obviously your home, just in your community. That is clearly the message of the show — leaving your community better than you found it. I hope that is the message that comes across,” he continued.

6. Cress Williams Getting In Character

When an actor plays a role so excellently as Cress Williams does, it is common to wonder how he prepares for it.

“I have a 13-year-old girl and a little boy, and one on the way. So anything that is wrapped around being a father is easy to tap into. If it is something I can find direct correlation to in real life, I do that,” Cress Williams said when asked about getting into character.

Marvin “Krondon” Jones III added, “Cress Williams is a wonderful father on-screen and off-screen.”

7. The Black Lightning Costume

When a member of the crowd asked Cress Williams if there are any difficulties of wearing the suit, he replied, “Yes, the short and the long and the easy and hard answer is all yes.”

He further explained, “It is getting better. It’s been getting reworked here and there. I’m hoping Gambi makes it stealthier as time progresses. It’s just a journey.”

As long as they don’t do a minimalist look like they did for Ralph Dibny in his early episodes of The Flash, it wouldn’t hurt to change up the suit a little bit. Just don’t go overboard.

8. Personal Mottos

When questioned about mantra’s that the stars believe in, Cress Williams stated, “The world moves really fast and it is quite easy to get caught up and feel like we have to go fast. I am a personal believer that God doesn’t go fast and if I move at His speed, then I’m doing alright. So I just always try to remember, go slow.”

I’m guessing Cress has no ties to the speedforce then.

Marvin “Krondon” Jones III mentioned, “Romans 8:28, That’s ‘everything works together for the good’.”

9. James Remar Knows Sign Language

When James Remar noticed the signer, he brought the crowd’s attention to them.

“I learned a little bit of the American sign language for the deaf, many, many years ago. Finger spellings, and I’ve never been more eloquent than when I’ve seen this — it always looks beautiful. And I think, boy my words are gorgeous, so I want to acknowledge and thank these guys for doing this for us.”

10. Jefferson Getting Arrested

A fan brought up the controversial plot point of Jefferson’s arrest and Williams had this to say:

“When we watched it on Tuesday, I was sitting next to my wife. She was having a hard time throughout the episode with all the processing, and the abuse, and everything. She had to just keep telling herself, it’s not real, it’s not real; that’s how I knew we got the scene right.”

Black Lightning airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.

For more of our coverage of Heroes and Villains Fan Fest check back regularly. Find out more about Heroes and Villains Fan Fest here.

 

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