AARON PIERRE LIGHTS IT UP
Our New Sexy, Gritty Superhero
Aaron Pierre is about to be one of the hottest up-and-comers in Hollywood. With the HBO series Lanterns, many are being introduced to his genius — and we can’t wait. Let’s get to know him, shall we?
Pierre hails from London, and like many British actors, he got his start on the stage. Director Barry Jenkins was in the audience at Shakespeare’s Globe theater when Pierre portrayed Cassio in Othello. At this point, Pierre had his breakout role in the UK with Syfy’s Krypton, but he had not yet been seen by the whole world. Jenkins made sure his star rose by casting him as Caesar in The Underground Railroad and subsequently as the voice actor behind Mufasa in Jenkins’ live-action remake of The Lion King.
Aaron Pierre. Lanterns. HBO Max
“It’s still surreal to this day that I had the opportunity to learn from, to collaborate with Barry Jenkins. He’s extraordinary! To me, he’s the epitome of a leader and a director,” Pierre told a British magazine. “He created such a safe and supportive environment on set, the way he managed this project was with such sensitivity and care, and what remained at the forefront for him, was our mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing.”
Pierre then landed small parts in big films, like M. Night Shamalyan’s Old, and big parts in smaller films, like the coming-of-age drama Brother. The latter landed him a win for Best Supporting Performance in a Film at the 11th Canadian Screen Awards.
Aaron Pierre, Kyle Chandler. Lanterns. HBO Max
While all of these were accomplishments that put him on the map in Hollywood, it wasn’t until the fall of 2024 when Pierre started getting recognized for his name. The film that marked his arrival? Netflix’s Rebel Ridge. Pierre replaced John Boyega as a vengeful former Marine in a racist small town. As he attempts to post bail for his cousin, he is met with corruption and violence. The film is provocative, powerful, and completely entertaining. It had everyone asking “Who is this actor?” after it became one of the most-streamed movies on Netflix at the time.
Aaron Pierre x Bumble
Rebel Ridge was just the start. In HBO’s Lanterns, Pierre joins the conglomerate of Green Lantern Corps, an intergalactic police force in the DC Universe. Pierre assumes the role of the second-most popular Green Lantern, John Stewart, a former Marine who teams up with Hal Jordan (played by Kyle Chandler in the series.) Instead of taking on the sheen of a superhero show, Lanterns is more of a gritty detective series where the two are out to solve a murder. Pierre’s character is already set to make an appearance in the next Superman movie, Man of Tomorrow, from James Gunn. Did we mention he’s also in a Star Wars movie?
With big leading roles lined up, Aaron Pierre is on his way to being a household name. In the meantime, catch up on his filmography and soak up his gorgeous presence.