Aaron Pierre is set to take on significant roles in two major productions: the upcoming HBO series Lanterns, where he portrays John Stewart, the Green Lantern, and the live-action film Mufasa: The Lion King, bringing his talents to the beloved character of Simba's father.
Commissioned to play John Stewart, one of the most well-known Green Lanterns, Pierre's commitment to the role is evident as he prepares for the show, which is set to begin filming in February 2025. Following the official announcement of the casting on October 9, 2024, fans expressed excitement about the potential for this character to finally appear on screen in live action.
During his recent appearance on Virgin Radio UK's The Chris Evans Breakfast Show, Pierre shared insights about his preparations for the Green Lantern role. Reflecting on John Stewart, Pierre stated, “This character has always radiated class. He's always radiated charisma, strength, identity. So I'm very happy to be bringing him to life in a live action.context.” His enthusiasm for the character shines through as he continues to conduct extensive research on the DC Comics universe.
Pierre described his current preparation as his “extensive DC homework,” which involves immersing himself in comics, film, and television series related to John Stewart. He commented, “It's comics, it's film, it's television series. It's all of it. It's sort of familiarizing myself with things I already know and introducing myself to things I’m learning about.” His dedication to thoroughness is evident as he puts significant effort toward his training and physical condition for the role.
The actor elaborated on his physical training regime, which is characterized by functional fitness focusing on compound lifts, sprints, and flexibility. He explained, “They don't want me to be big and not able to move,” emphasizing the importance of being agile and strong as he prepares to embody the superhero on screen. He is diligent about his diet, fueling his body with high protein, lots of greens, and fruits, mentioning, “Chicken breast, very familiar with chicken breast, and tuna steaks.”
Pierre’s portrayal of John Stewart will not only showcase his physical prowess but will also bring his emotional depth to the character; he aims to capture the essence of John Stewart's strength and identity. He’s committed to portraying the character’s traits seamlessly, even stating he’s “not a method actor” but finds it important to adopt elements of the character even when not filming. This includes maintaining Stewart’s dialect and gait.
Fans are surely eager to see how Pierre’s approach to his character. Lanterns, which pairs him with Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan, is described as having the feel of HBO’s gritty and successful series True Detective but with superheroes. It focuses on the two Lanterns investigating a dark mystery, providing the opportunity for character-driven storytelling.
While Pierre's casting has garnered support, interest also remains high around his performance as Mufasa. Pierre lends his voice to the lion character, continuing the legacy left by the illustrious James Earl Jones. This casting is significant, as Mufasa: The Lion King sees Miranda contributing six new songs, with Pierre excited to sing two of these tracks, feeling privileged to convey Miranda’s artistry through his work.
Despite mixed reviews, currently sitting at fifty-five percent on Rotten Tomatoes, the film, which explores the backstory of Mufasa, showcases how Pierre is adept at taking on emotionally nuanced roles. He previously received acclaim for his performance in Netflix’s original film, Rebel Ridge, where he navigated complex scenarios as he fought against systemic corruption.
With filming for Lanterns set to kick off soon, and amid anticipation for Mufasa: The Lion King, the excitement surrounding Aaron Pierre's dual roles continues to build. Fans and critics alike are eager to see how he balances these two very different yet powerful characters on his ascent within Hollywood.