HBO's Lanterns TV show, the upcoming DCU series following the Green Lantern Corps., just cast one of its most important characters.
Aaron Pierre is officially joining the series as Green Lantern John Stewart. DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn confirmed the news on social media on Wednesday, welcoming Pierre into the DCU following what he called "a long and grueling series of auditions."
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
It marks a major casting for the DCU at large, as John Stewart has long been a favorite among fans of the comics. According to HBO's official synopsis, Lanterns will follow "new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.”
Pierre will likely star alongside Emmy winner Kyle Chandler, who's been in negotiations to take the role of Hal Jordan. Deadline reported on Wednesday that Chandler is "expected to close" the deal for the role.
Pierre's name emerged as a frontrunner for John Stewart in another Deadline article two weeks ago, which narrowed down him and Homecoming star Stephan James as the top choices. Pierre's star has been rising as of late, garnering rave reviews for recent Netflix thriller Rebel Ridge. His past roles include another DC part — Dev-Em in SyFy's Krypton — as well as the period drama The Underground Railroad.
HBO finally gave Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios the greenlight to move forward with Lanterns this past June, handing it a straight-to-series order for eight episodes. It has some HBO-proven creative talent behind the scenes, with Chris Mundy (True Detective: Night Country) serving as showrunner and executive producer while Watchmen, The Leftovers, and Lost leader Damon Lindelof and comic book legend Tom King will executive produce.
Thumbnail credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she's not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.