Aaron Pierre Cast as Green Lantern John Stewart in HBO’s "Lanterns"
In an exciting development for superhero enthusiasts, Aaron Pierre has been officially cast as the iconic Green Lantern John Stewart in the highly anticipated HBO series "Lanterns." This marks a significant moment for DC Studios as it is helmed by the new leadership duo of James Gunn and Peter Safran, and Stewart is celebrated as one of DC’s first Black superheroes.
The casting process was notably intense, narrowing down to Pierre and fellow actor Stephan James, recognized for his roles in "The Piano Lesson" and the acclaimed Jesse Owens biopic "Race." Both actors engaged in screen tests that saw them performing alongside already cast Kyle Chandler, a veteran of popular series like "Friday Night Lights" and "Bloodline." After considerable deliberation, the selection was finalized recently, revealing Pierre as the leading choice due to his compelling screen presence.
Pierre’s ascension in Hollywood has been remarkable. His recent performance in the Netflix film "Rebel Ridge," which debuted on September 6, garnered significant attention, staying at the top of global Netflix rankings for three consecutive weeks. Previously, he had a near-brush with comic book adaptations, originally cast in a role for Marvel’s "Blade," but changes in the project’s direction led to his exit. Additionally, Pierre appeared in M. Night Shyamalan’s film "Old," which was adapted from a graphic novel, showcasing his versatile acting skills.
The "Lanterns" series promises a gritty narrative, reminiscent of "True Detective." It will center around Hal Jordan, a legendary Green Lantern who mentors younger officer John Stewart as the duo investigates a mysterious murder in the heart of America. The show’s unique premise blends cop drama with science fiction elements, setting a fresh tone within the superhero genre.
Directing the first two episodes will be James Hawes, known for his work on "Slow Horses." The series is not only noteworthy for its cast but also for its creative team, featuring esteemed producers and writers including Chris Mundy of "Ozark" fame, Damon Lindelof known for "Watchmen," and Eisner Award-winning comic book writer Tom King. With a straight-to-series order for an eight-episode season, "Lanterns" is poised to make a substantial impact on DC’s television landscape.
The character of John Stewart was first introduced to audiences in 1971’s "Green Lantern No. 87," penned by writer Dennis O’Neil and artist Neal Adams. This portrayal has evolved and gained a dedicated fan base, making the casting of Pierre a significant move for representation in the superhero genre.
In addition to his role as John Stewart, Aaron Pierre has displayed impressive range in recent projects, including his performance as Malcolm X in NatGeo’s series "Genius: MLK/X" and his roles in Barry Jenkins’ acclaimed series "The Underground Railroad" and the upcoming CG-animated "Lion King" prequel, where he takes on the titular role of Mufasa. Pierre continues to be represented by prominent agencies, indicating his rising trajectory in the entertainment industry.
As anticipation builds for "Lanterns," fans of superhero lore and action-packed storytelling eagerly await this new chapter in the DC universe, poised to showcase compelling narratives and strong character development.
