Aaron Pierre knows how to turn any roominto aparty. Earlier this week, The Jennifer Hudson Show released aYouTube video of the actor's spirit tunnel dance from his appearance on the show in early December. He stopped by to promote Mufasa: The Lion King. On its website, the talk show states the spirit tunnel tradition consists of "two lines of people hyping up the guest with chants and dance moves before they hit the stage," inspired by how much fun JHud has.
Pierre, 30, who voices Mufasa in the Lion King prequel hitting theaters in late December, was greeted backstage as he began his shuffle through the talk show's hallway, smiling from ear to ear. Sporting black pants, a blue T-shirt, and a matching leather jacket, Pierre rocked his hips as he synchronized each footstep to the beat of the backstage members' handclaps, singing, "Aaron Pierre, that's Mufasa." During this vibrant moment, he gave high-fives to everyone along the way and joyfully concluded by thanking the energetic group.
Fans were quick to comment on the delightful dance moves, showering him with praise. One wrote, "He understood the assignment! 👏🏾" Another remarked, "Gosh, the way he got on the floor with them, it was so beautiful; it was as if they had met before. What a humble man!" It's not surprising Pierre was eager to showcase his excitement about appearing on the show.
He told PEOPLE earlier this year about the personal connection he feels to the character's storyline. "What's really special about Mufasa: The Lion King is... we get to see his childhood and we get to see him discovering himself from this adolescent cub to this grown lion," he explained. Pierre emphasized how the film provides insight, allowing the qualities of Mufasa to appear tangible and accessible.
Meanwhile, Pierre's dedication to his craft doesn't stop at promotion. He is preparing for his upcoming role as John Stewart, the Green Lantern, indicating his commitment to extensive training. During an interview with Virgin Radio UK, he revealed he's begun physical training and immersed himself in research.
"I really wanna leave no stone unturned," Pierre stated, reflecting his thorough approach to embracing the character. Although he won't lead the introduction of the Lanterns—Guy Gardner, portrayed by Nathan Fillion, will do so—fans are eager to see how Pierre complexly interprets John Stewart.
This year sees the launch of James Gunn's first live-action project within the reimagined DC Universe, featuring Superman, with Green Lantern series expected to follow. Pierre’s preparation signifies a larger commitment to his roles and reflects the anticipation surrounding the DCU relaunch.
Overall, fans are left buzzing with excitement. Between showcasing his dance talents on talk shows and methodically preparing for his future life as John Stewart, Aaron Pierre proves he’s dedicated to delivering compelling performances across different platforms. Mufasa continues to resonate with audiences as they anticipate his powerful portrayal of the character and the depth it will bring to the beloved classic.