Right now it seems the most sense that a Black Lightning movie makes would be the fact that it might be trying to ride the success of Black Panther as another film led by an African American cast and crew, but there’s more to it than that. Not only is it being hailed as a popular and engaging CW show, which has not been kind to the black community over the years in terms of producing lead characters with multiple dimensions to them, but it’s confronting the issues and problems of the modern day from a perspective that might know something about them. It might sound as though it takes an African American to really understand what’s going on in the world as it pertains to a different race but the truth of it is that in terms of making a movie or even just continuing the show, the perspective is really what counts.
If you’ve seen any shows featuring a black man or woman as a lead in the last couple decades you might have noticed they almost always have a white counterpart that seems to know just a little more than they do or stands on equal ground with them when it comes to being the star of the movie. Other than that, individuals of color and different races haven’t really been given a starring role other than to be a sidekick or love interest. That’s been changing gradually as time goes on and Black Panther and now Black Lightning have come around to make sure that those changes continue to happen. It’s time for a new lineup and to recognize the contribution and importance of those superheroes that don’t cling to the old stereotypes in an attempt to preserve the status quo. Black Lightning isn’t the stereotypical thug turned good guy or the guy living the hard knock life turned powerful vigilante. His alter ego is a school principal, a husband, and a father that’s trying to do the best for his family.
He gave up the superhero gig when it started to affect his family and has been attempting to win his wife back and has been attempting to keep an eye on his daughter as he’s doing his best to lead a normal life. When a crime boss starts ripping the city apart, metaphorically-speaking, he can’t just sit by and do nothing however. With great power comes great responsibility right? It might not be seen as any more acceptable by the cops in the CW as it is anywhere else be it on film or TV, but Black Lightning’s brand of justice is often a lot more effective and badly needed when it comes to his city. As a superhero it behooves just about anyone with the power to make change to make a positive impact on the lives of those being affected, and that’s a big part of why Black Lightning as a movie would be welcomed at least.
Considering that Black Panther set the bar pretty high upon its release a movie version of this would have to be off the chain, but it’s possible.
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