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Aaron Pierre Cast as John Stewart in DC Studios’ ‘Lanterns’

In a major casting decision, Aaron Pierre has officially been confirmed as John Stewart in DC Studios and HBO’s upcoming Lanterns series. Pierre, known for his compelling performances in Rebel Ridge and The Underground Railroad, is set to embody one of the most iconic Black superheroes in comic book history.

Lanterns will be a gritty, eight-episode crime-thriller produced by HBO in collaboration with Warner Bros Television and DC Studios. The series will follow John Stewart and Hal Jordan as intergalactic lawmen investigating a mysterious murder in the American Midwest. The tone is expected to reflect the dark, suspenseful atmosphere of True Detective, focusing on the intense partnership between these two Green Lanterns.

Kyle Chandler, known for his roles in Friday Night Lights and Bloodline, will co-star as the seasoned Hal Jordan, a veteran Green Lantern who serves as a mentor to Stewart.

Executive producers Chris Mundy (Ozark), Damon Lindelof (Watchmen, Lost), and renowned comic book writer Tom King (Mister Miracle) are leading the project. Mundy will also serve as showrunner, and James Hawes (Slow Horses) is set to direct the first block of episodes.

Pierre’s casting as John Stewart follows an intense search that came down to Pierre and Stephan James (The Piano Lesson, Race). Both actors participated in screen tests alongside Chandler before Pierre ultimately secured the role. This marks a significant moment for Pierre, whose recent performances in Rebel Ridge and M. Night Shyamalan’s Old have put him in the spotlight. Pierre was also cast in Marvel’s Blade, though his involvement in that project has since shifted.

James Gunn and Peter Safran, co-CEOs of DC Studios, expressed their excitement for Lanterns in a statement, saying, “John Stewart and Hal Jordan are two of DC’s most compelling characters, and Lanterns brings them to life in an original detective story that is a foundational part of the unified DCU.”

John Stewart first appeared in Green Lantern #87 in 1971, created by writer Dennis O’Neil and artist Neal Adams. His debut was a significant milestone in the comic book world, as Stewart became the first Black Green Lantern, a hero representing a new wave of diversity in comics during the civil rights movement of the 1970s. Originally introduced as a backup for Hal Jordan, Stewart quickly became more than just a secondary character. His storylines, marked by his strong moral compass, military background, and leadership skills, helped elevate him to one of the most respected members of the Green Lantern Corps. Stewart’s journey in comics mirrors real-world struggles for equality and representation, making his character resonate deeply with fans over the decades.

Stewart has appeared in various animated adaptations, voiced by actors like Phil LaMarr and Aldis Hodge, but Lanterns will be the first time the character is brought to life in a live-action series.

As the DC Universe gears up for a new era of storytelling, Aaron Pierre’s portrayal of John Stewart is expected to bring fresh energy to a beloved character, further cementing Stewart’s place as a symbol of justice, strength, and representation in the world of superheroes.

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