The Arrowverse’s Justice League could change after 2021. Black Lightning officially came to an end, wrapping up its four-season run with a couple of surprise twists and Jefferson’s long-awaited confrontation with the villain Tobias Whale. The conclusion to the series also set up a major shake-up to the Justice League, which formed following the events of the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover, and its membership moving forward. 

Black Lightning was one of the founding members of the Justice League, which included The Flash, Supergirl, Superman, Batwoman, Martian Manhunter, and White Canary. The superheroes came together following the collapse of the multiverse and the reboot of their separate worlds into Earth-Prime. However, the elite team has seen quite a few changes — Batwoman is no longer Kate Kane and, more recently, Jefferson announced he was retiring from being Black Lightning in his titular show’s series finale. It was a huge and surprising declaration considering how long he’d spent dedicating his time to saving his hometown of Freeland. 

Related: The CW’s Next Arrowverse Crisis Is Far Bigger Than A Crossover

But with Black Lightning passing on the torch to daughters Anissa (aka, Thunder) and Jennifer (aka, Lightning), it’s possible they will effectively take their father’s place in the Justice League. They would represent the Pierce family on Black Lightning’s behalf as the baton is passed down to the next generation. To be sure, Thunder replacing her dad in the Justice League makes more sense than Lightning considering China Anne McClain is less likely to return to the Arrowverse after leaving the show in season 4. However, Jeff’s superhero retirement positions Thunder as a candidate for any future Arrowverse crossovers despite Black Lightning no longer being on the air. John Diggle still appears throughout the Arrowverse after Arrow concluded and Thunder could very well do the same. 

The Justice League from the Arrowverse

Thunder’s involvement in the Justice League certainly alters the dynamic that was already established during “Crisis on Infinite Earths.” After all, Black Lightning was the only one to cross over and Anissa has yet to formally meet any of the other superheroes that her dad worked with previously. There will surely be a learning curve and time should be spent on Thunder connecting with the other superheroes. But she’s very passionate and dedicated to helping others in her role as a superhero that she’ll more than likely fit right in with the Justice League’s other members.

Black Lightning retiring from being a superhero isn’t the only major reorganization the Arrowverse’s Justice League will be facing. Supergirl is ending, which leaves her seat potentially available in the future, and Batwoman’s Ryan Wilder has yet to officially become a member, either. But, with The Flash expected to have a five-episode event, set to air in the fall of 2021, that will feature a few superheroes from across the Arrowverse in each episode, the mini crossover is the best time to bring Black Lightning’s Thunder into the fold. It’s even possible Jefferson will appear to help before officially bowing out and handing the reigns to his daughter. Time will ultimately tell what will happen, but recent Arrowverse decisions and changes will probably affect the Justice League’s roster, for better or worse, after 2021.

Next: Arrowverse: Black Lightning Season 4 Ending Explained