HBO’s upcoming series Lanterns has just found its dynamic duo. Aaron Pierre, the star of Netflix’s Rebel Ridge, has been cast as John Stewart, one of DC’s most recognizable Black superheroes. Joining him will be Emmy-winner Kyle Chandler, who is in final negotiations to portray the more popular Green Lantern, Hal Jordan.
The search for the perfect John Stewart was nothing short of intense. It came down to a face-off between Pierre and Stephan James, who is known for his role in the acclaimed 2018 film If Beale Street Could Talk. Both actors participated in screen tests, squaring off against Chandler in what must have been a sight to see.
James Gunn, the co-CEO of DC Studios, described the casting process as “long and grueling,” indicating how important this role is, not just for the series but for the larger DC Universe. In the end, it was Pierre who got the coveted part, bringing what insiders describe as “heat” to the show.
Pierre’s star has been on a meteoric rise. His leading role in Rebel Ridge dominated Netflix’s global charts for three weeks straight. However, his connection to the comic book world doesn’t start here. He was previously cast in Marvel’s Blade project, though that version of the film has since evolved.
The British actor’s resume is impressive to say the least, with roles in M. Night Shyamalan’s Old, the critically acclaimed Prime Video series The Underground Railroad, and the upcoming Disney prequel Mufasa: The Lion King, where he voices the titular character.
From what we know, Lanterns will be a gritty, True Detective-style take on the Green Lantern lore. The eight-episode series will follow Hal Jordan, a veteran of the intergalactic police force known as the Green Lantern Corps, as he reluctantly mentors the younger John Stewart.
Like its animated counterpart, the show will bring the two heroes down to Earth (quite literally) as they investigate a dark mystery in America. Chris Mundy, who is known for his work on Ozark, will serve as showrunner, while Damon Lindelof and Eisner Award-winning comic book writer Tom King will join as executive producers and writers.
For longtime DC fans, seeing John Stewart brought to life is a dream come true. Created by Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams in 1971, Stewart quickly became a fan favorite and one of DC’s most prominent Black superheroes. His popularity quickly grew with appearances in animated series like Justice League and Justice League: Unlimited.
Pairing Stewart with Hal Jordan, the Silver Age Green Lantern, who first appeared in 1959, is definitely a good idea for DCU. Besides bringing a black superhero to screen, this approach might be the best way to explore the rich history of the Green Lantern Corps, especially if James Gunn and Peter Safran plan to have a Justice League film down the line.
Lanterns will be a part of the Gods and Monsters phase of the DCU, interconnecting with other projects, including the animated series Creature Commandos and the highly anticipated Superman film. Filming is expected to take place from January to June next year, but no release date has been announced yet.
