The CW is bursting at the seams with superheroes. It was announced Thursday that the DC comic book drama Black Lightning is now getting a spin-off series, Painkiller. Jordan Calloway (Riverdale) will return to play Khalil Payne/Painkiller in the starring role. The pilot is set to air in February 2021 according to Deadline.
Painkiller is created, executive produced and written by Salim Akil (Being Mary Jane) who currently serves as the showrunner on Black Lightning. The pilot for Painkiller, which is directed by Akil, will air as the seventh episode in season four of Black Lightning. Painkiller is based on the DC comics character created by Tony Isabella (Black Lightning) and Eddie Newell (No Easy Fights).
Calloway took to Twitter to share the news of the upcoming spin-off series. See his tweet below:
Calloway first appeared on The CW portraying Chuck Clayton on Riverdale for the show’s first two seasons. Then, what began as a recurring role on season one of Black Lighting turned into a series regular role, with Calloway starring as Painkiller since season two.
The official synopsis for Painkiller was picked up by Deadline: “Calloway plays Khalil Payne, a man ridden with the guilt of his troubled past from his former life in Freeland City, where, as a super-enhanced killing machine known as Painkiller he was both a member of Tobias Whale’s gang and a weapon of Agent Odell and the shadowy ASA.” Along with Akil, the series will be executive produced by Greg Berlanti (Supergirl).
Black Lightning season four will premiere on The CW February 8, 2021. The series stars Cress Williams (Friday Night Lights), Nafessa Williams (Twin Peaks: The Return), China Anne McClain (The Paynes), and Christine Adams (Counterpart) along with Calloway. It’s co-executive produced by Akil, Berlanti, Oz Scott (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D), Mara Brock Akil (Moesha), and Pascal Verschooris (Dynasty). The first three seasons are available to stream on Netflix.