It’s finally time to find out whatJordan Calloway’s Khalil, a.k.a.
Painkiller, has been up to since departing Freeland at the end ofBlack Lightning’s third season.
It’s taking all of his strength to keep the murderous personality at bay.
Jordan Calloway as Khalil Payne, a.k.a. Painkiller, in ‘Black Lightning’ season 4 episode 7.Kyle Kaplan/The CW
Like Khalil, both men are also haunted by things from their past.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: How did [Black Lightningshowrunner] Salim Akil pitch the spin-off to you?
JORDAN CALLOWAY:He didn’t really pitch it.
Kyle Kaplan/The CW
He said, “Hey man, you going to work.”
Maybe it wasn’t something like that.
Maybe there was a little bit more finesse to it.
He called me during 2020 during the whole lockdown.
I was a little speechless.
It’s one of those things that just hits you out of nowhere.
But it’s my work that preceded me and that’s what I’m all about.
Based on this backdoor pilot, how will aPainkillershow differ fromBlack Lightningin terms of subject matter and tone?
WithBlack Lightning, we have more of a familial aspect that we’re dealing with.
In [the “Painkiller” pilot], you have that as well.
But what I like [is] “Painkiller” dives into the psyche of a damaged Black man.
They don’t get to just get rid of the other.
It’s not an enemy that you’ve got the option to fight and get rid of.
How would you describe the look and feel of Khalil’s new home in Akashic Valley?
and you get those vibes.
And of course I love anime, so that clicked for me.
What is Khalil’s life like in Akashic Valley?
Is he doing the vigilante thing or trying to keep a low profile?
A lot of that comes from his fear of what would happen if Painkiller gets out.
It’s a little rough in the beginning.
I personally looked at it that way.
I mean, that’s very dangerous.
As iron sharpens iron, so does brother sharpen his fellow brother.
So for that aspect of it, I think it’s been really, really cool seeing that.
What threat is Khalil facing in Akashic Valley?
That’s what Khalil has seen even more.
It’s not just dangerous, but it’s a violation of these individuals.
That’s why it strikes so close to home.
He can’t let that slide.
And Painkiller, I mean, he just looking for a reason to fight.
We love him for it.
We love him it.
He’s a great anti-hero.
I mean, one that you hate because of his past, but he’s also misunderstood.
But there’s a lack of understanding on our parts as well.
That’s what Khalil will be learning.
Do you do anything specific to get into character as Painkiller?
What’s the different jot down of moods?
What’s the different throw in of music that they would listen to given the mood?
I want them to see different nuances, different traits, different things that might end up triggering.
Triggering words for Khalil might be mom whereas Painkiller, it may be ASA or Tobias or Odel.
Jen is definitely one for Khalil but they have, they emote different reactions.
Can we expect to see Khalil pop back up in Freeland beforeBlack Lightningends?
Come on now, man.
You really think Khalil or Painkiller would allow this to be the last season and he not show up?
Come on now, you got to stay tuned!
Black Lightningairs Mondays at 9 p.m. on The CW.
