Aaron Pierre is on fire. Just out of his critically acclaimed performance as young Mufasa in Disney's Mufasa: The Lion King, this British actor is already booking his next huge project. He is now slated to star as John Stewart—one of the most recognizable Green Lanterns—in the much-anticipated DC series Lanterns. The up-and-coming star shared, in a series of recent interviews, how he is prepping for this transformational act.
Just after making waves with his voice and screen presence in Mufasa, Pierre joins the DC Universe for another milestone in his career. Fans from both franchises have their eyes glued to the screen as he takes on the role of one of DC's most famous superheroes.
From the Pride Lands to the Green Lantern Corps, Aaron Pierre has been making strides, especially with his portrayal of Mufasa. He played the younger version of the iconic king, carrying emotional weight across the globe. His performance has added depth, showcasing Mufasa's evolution from cub to the great leader of the Pride Lands.
Reflecting on his experience, Pierre stated, "Working on Mufasa was exhilarating." Now, as he ventures onto Lanterns, his focus has shifted to the upcoming project which will debut as part of the newly revamped DC Universe under the new leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran. Lanterns will center on the adventures of the Green Lantern Corps, focusing on John Stewart and Hal Jordan.
Taking on the role of John Stewart is no small feat. The character, who debuted in 1971, is beloved by fans and epitomizes bravery and integrity within the DC Universe. Stewart is depicted as both disciplined and compassionate—a characteristic stemming from his background as a former marine.
Pierre is committed to intense preparation for this role. He explained, "Most of what’s happening right now is my homework—my extensive DC homework and my physical preparation. It’s sort of familiarizing myself with things I already know, and then introducing myself to things I’m learning about. I’m mildly OCD; I’m very, very Meticulous, so I really want to leave no stone unturned and feel as prepared as I can going forward."
Being part of such a monumental character holds significant pressure. Pierre expressed gratitude about being cast, saying, "DC gave me the call. I’m very grateful, very happy to be part of the team. John Stewart always radiated class and charisma—strength and identity. So I’m very happy to be bringing him to life in this live-action format."
Pierre’s addition to the cast of Lanterns promises exciting developments within the DC Universe. Directed by Jeremy Carver, the series aims for a grounded, true detective tone, making it one of the finest entries to the superhero genre. Fans are eager to witness how Pierre will portray the duality of John Stewart—a highly trained former Marine and cosmic defender balancing the challenges of being a Green Lantern.
With his passion for storytelling and dedication to his craft, Pierre is shaping up to be the perfect fit for this role. Although the release date for Lanterns has yet to be announced, the buzz surrounding the project is already palpable.
Following the successful run of Mufasa: The Lion King, Aaron Pierre is proving himself to be one of Hollywood's most versatile and compelling actors. His consistent hard work and commitment to Lanterns are indicative of the exciting path his career is taking.