Aaron Pierre was on everyone’s lips just a few weeks ago thanks to the Netflix hit Rebel Ridge. Now he is taking off as Green Lantern in the new DC universe.
With Rebel Ridge, Netflix released a hard-hitting thriller in September that caused quite a stir – and not only because of its story, which deals with abuse of power and corruption in a small-town police department. Leading actor Aaron Pierre also made a name for himself.
Pierre’s powerful performance in the film was often referred to as a “star-making turn”. In other words, Rebel Ridge could be the film that catapults the actor, known for his roles in The Underground Railroad and The Morning Show, to the top of Hollywood. And that is exactly what has happened now.
After the Netflix success Rebel Ridge, Aaron Pierre conquers the DC universe as Green Lantern John Stewart
A few weeks after Rebel Ridge conquered the Netflix charts, Pierre was able to secure his biggest role to date: as reported by Deadline, he will be joining the DC Universe (DCU) as John Stewart. Stewart is one of the Green Lanterns, who act as intergalactic police officers to maintain law and order in the universe.
On Twitter, James Gunn, the creative mind behind the new universe, welcomes Aaron Pierre to the DC family:
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
Specifically, Pierre has been cast in the upcoming Lanterns series, which is being produced under the HBO umbrella. He plays the young John Stewart, who has yet to earn his spurs. Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, acts as his mentor. In addition, a third Green Lantern has already been confirmed in the DCU.
We will meet a Green Lantern character in Gunn’s Superman movie, which kicks off the DCU in theaters in July 2025: Guy Gardner, played by Nathan Fillion. It is unclear whether he will also appear in the series. However, since we are talking about a cinematic universe here, the possibility definitely exists.
Pierre’s casting comes after an extensive casting process for the Lanterns series. His biggest competitor: Stephan James, who previously appeared in films such as Beale Street, 21 Bridges and Selma. Chandler, meanwhile, was cast after Josh Brolin (Thanos in the Marvel universe) turned down the project.
