Black Lightning Star: You’ll See Less of [Spoiler] in Final Season
The CW’s Black Lightning may have announced its final season Friday, but one of its main cast members was already planning an early exit.
In an Instagram video posted Saturday, China Anne McClain (who plays Jennifer Pierce, aka Lightning), revealed that the show’s upcoming fourth season was going to be her last “regardless of if it went on or not.”
Though the actress said she didn’t find out about the series ending until the news broke Friday, she elaborated, “What I did know and have known along with the rest of the cast since before we even started shooting this season is that I am leaving the show. And was leaving the show. This was going to be my last season.”
McClain also confirmed that she only signed on for a limited number of Season 4 episodes, so fans can expect to see far less of Lightning when the show returns Feb. 8 to begin its final run.
As for why she chose to exit, McClain only provided hints. “There’s been a lot to happen over this quarantine, and I’m not talking about the PC side of it,” she said, while discussing the pandemic and current ways of the world. “God is moving me in more than one way than just this show. It’s bigger than this show. I’m doing God’s work now… and I’m not doing anything else.”
The actress was quick to explain that her decision was not fueled by any on-set drama or unhappiness with the show or its network. Rather, she praised the people in charge, and made it clear that her decision was a personal choice.
“I’m not leaving because I had a terrible time working at The CW,” she said, fighting back tears. “I like the CW. I like [CW network president] Mark Pedowitz, I like [Warner Bros. president] Peter Roth, [EP] Greg Berlanti, I love [showrunner] Salim [Akil], I always will. He gets it. And people that actually know me… they know why I make the decisions that I make.”
Toward the end of the clip, she wished nothing but the best for Akil and costar Jordan Calloway, whose spinoff Painkiller is currently in development.
“Congratulations to Salim and Jordan, who just got a spinoff. Please support him in that. God did that for him and he’s going to do great, I know it,” McClain added.
Black Lightning stars Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce, McClain as Jennifer Pierce, Nafessa Williams as Anissa Pierce, Christine Adams as Lynn Stewart, Marvin “Krondon” Jones III as Tobias Whale, James Remar as Peter Gambi, Chantal Thuy as Grace Choi (newly promoted to series regular!) and Calloway as Khalil Payne.
View McClain’s full video below, then hit the Comments with all of your Black Lightning thoughts.
“I’m doing god’s work” is generally code for “I’m fed up with Hollywood altogether and I need any excuse to get out of acting.”
Or it’s what she just said it was
I wish her happiness and joy. It’s sad she won’t be on the entire final season. I’ve always loved the relationship and interactions between Jennifer and Anissa.
Another reason it is good this is the final season.
It’s sad to see her go but I still think the spin-off should be with one of his children I don’t think I want watch Khalid aka Painkiller journey on his own show
I am hoping the character Thunder/Blackbird lands at another series. I also would like BL to continue on the crossovers.
since it’s seems Green Arrow and The Canaries DOA how about they do their version of Danger Girl or Fearless Defender because I’m going to miss these characters I want them on a show together the characters of Anissa Grace Laurel Dinah Alex Danvers I add these characters because I want see them on my screen Zatanna Vixen Lady Blackhawk Huntresses DreamGirl LightningLass
She sounds a bit crazy
Plenty of people believe in God who aren’t crazy.
Sure, but most Christians don’t run around talking like that. It’s very…specific, with the coded language, grandiosity, and rush to credit divine forces for basic career events.
I will pray that you stop bashing people’s Faith.
China’s dedication to God Is Beautiful.
She’s crazy because she wants to follow God’s work, shows how mental issues really exist in some people.
Yes, giving up a high paying job to do a made up beings work is crazy.
I will pray that you stop bashing people’s Faith.
China’s dedication to God Is Beautiful.
God is real and He Loves you even when you reject Him.
I will pray that you stop bashing people’s Faith.
China’s dedication to God Is Beautiful.
Some people hang onto the environment they were raised in. Hopefully whatever she’s doing is genuinely good, but yeah…it’s pretty weird.
I will pray for you.
Oh no, he said sarcastically
Good for her … I am grateful she will return for a limited number of episodes to hopefully bring her arc to a close. I wonder if Quake exits with Jennifer?
Enjoyed the Character and was hoping to see her role expand into other CW shows. It’s a Shame that just as “Black Lightning” coalesced with the rest of the Arrowverse, it won’t really get a chance to play around with the idea of a shared universe.
She’s my favorite part of the show. Bummer.
I wonder if her leaving had anything to do with them ending the show. Surely it could’ve gone on without her.
I am disappointed at the CW…. “ending” Black Lighting …. views were up always around top 10 and i think its weird as hell to “end it” after season 4….. i think the first 3 season were 1 chapter of the show and season 4 was at least in my mind a new chapter in the BL storyline .well… that sucks….. farewell dear friend… and at least they can keep lighting and pain killer alive as a romance in the Painkiller show. Guys you can get info from [EXTERNAL LINK REMOVED] why backlighting end with season 4
we are not crazy as they think