A former Agents of SHIELD operative has been recruited for a major role in DC's upcoming Black Lightning TV pilot.

The series, developed by Greg Berlanti (who else?) and based on the DC comic of the same name, follows the adventures of Jefferson Pierce, an ex-superhero and wanted super-vigilante who is pulled back into the fight as his alter ego Black Lightning.

Pierce will be played by Prison Break's Cress Williams, and Deadline reports that Christine Adams has now been cast as his ex-wife Lynn in the CW pilot.

The British actress played Agent Weaver on Marvel's Agents of SHIELD for nine episodes, and has guest starred in everything from Doctor Who and Heroes, to EastEnders, Doctors and Casualty.

Rob Kim Getty Images

Black Lightning was originally developed for Fox by Berlanti and writers Mara Brock and Salim Akil, but the pilot was ultimately picked up by The CW at the beginning of February.

It is based on one of DC Comics' first African-American heroes. Black Lightning made his first appearance in 1977 and has continued to exist within the realms of DC ever since, joining the Justice League and Outsiders from time to time.

DC Comics

The CW is of course no stranger to DC adaptations, and Black Lightning joins its sister shows Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl and DC's Legends of Tomorrow on the network's superhero line up.

So with another huge crossover reportedly in the works, we wouldn't be surprised if Black Lightening featured heavily.

Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @digitalspy Twitter account and you're all set.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io