Anyone who saw Aaron Pierre in Rebel Ridge, and apparently a lot of people did, knew that it was going to make him a huge star. Can you believe John Boyega passed on that one? Anyway, it has had the expected effect, as fans instantly began pitching Pierre for a future superhero roles, including John Stewart in the upcoming DC Studios series, Lanterns. Welll, fans, you’ve got your wish.
Pierre has landed the role of Green Lantern John Stewart in James Gunn’s Lanterns HBO series, beating out The Piano Lesson actor Stephan James. He’ll star opposite Kyle Chandler, who recently scored the part of veteran GL Corps member, Hal Jordan. The story will be Earthbound as the pair of intergalactic cops investigate a murder in the American heartland.
James Gunn confirmed the news on his social media.
This won’t be the first comic book project Pierre has been attached to. He had a role in Syfy’s Superman series Krypton, and also was set to star opposite Mahershala Ali in Marvel’s long-troubled Blade film before rewrites forced him out.
The series was created by Chris Mundy (Ozark), Damon Lindelof (Watchmen, Lost) and Eisner Award-winning comic book writer Tom King. They’ll exec-produce and write the screenplays, with Mundy acting as showrunner. James Hawes (Slow Horses) will direct the first two episodes.
Coming up for Pierre is a voice role as Mufasa in Barry Jenkins’ The Lion King prequel.
Welcome to DC, Aaron Pierre. After a long and grueling series of auditions I am absolutely sure we’ve found an incredible John Stewart. #Lanterns pic.twitter.com/1grFjppkQe
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 9, 2024
