Aaron Pierre Talks Lanterns Casting and Skipping Ryan Reynolds Movies

Aaron Pierre, the rising star who has been cast as one of the Green Lanterns in DC’s highly anticipated Lantern series, has been making waves in Hollywood. Despite his growing fame, Pierre recently revealed a surprising piece of information: he hasn’t seen Green Lantern (2011), the Ryan Reynolds-starring film that attempted to bring the intergalactic superhero to the big screen.

In a candid interview, Pierre opened up about the casting process for Lanterns, how he landed the role of a beloved superhero, and why skipping Reynolds’ film may have been more intentional than accidental.

Lanterns: A Fresh Chapter in the DC Universe

With Lanterns, DC Studios is preparing for a bold new chapter. Directed by The Batman producer Matt Reeves and overseen by DC co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran, the series is expected to redefine the Green Lantern mythology. Described as a detective-style drama, Lanterns will follow two Green Lanterns—Hal Jordan and John Stewart—as they uncover a mystery that could impact the entire DC Universe.

Pierre, who plays John Stewart, is stepping into a character that has been beloved by fans for decades. As one of the first black superheroes to achieve mainstream popularity, Stewart’s Green Lantern has always carried considerable cultural weight.

The Casting Process: An Insight into DC’s Vision

Aaron Pierre shared some juicy details about how he landed the coveted role. According to Pierre, the audition process was rigorous but also rewarding.

“It was one of the most intense auditions I’ve ever had,” Pierre admits. “They really wanted to see how much depth and authenticity I would bring to the character.”

The actor praised DC Studios’ thoughtfulness, noting how the creative team worked hard to ensure John Stewart was portrayed with the complexity he deserved.

“They were looking for someone who could embody Stewart’s strength, resilience, and humanity,” Pierre said. “I knew from the beginning that this was more than just a superhero role. It was about portraying someone who fights for justice, even in the face of great odds.”

Avoiding Comparisons: Why Pierre Skipped Ryan Reynolds’ Movie

When asked why he hasn’t seen Ryan Reynolds’ Green Lantern, Pierre gave a thoughtful answer:

“I didn’t want to be influenced by what had come before. Every actor brings their own unique interpretation to a character, and I wanted to approach John Stewart with a fresh perspective.”

Pierre’s decision to avoid the 2011 film may also have been influenced by the film’s poor reception. The film was widely criticized for its heavy CGI, uneven plot, and failure to capture the essence of the Green Lantern mythos. While Ryan Reynolds has joked about the film’s shortcomings, Pierre seems determined to chart a different course for the character.

John Stewart: A Hero for the Modern Age

For many fans, John Stewart is more than just a superhero; he’s an icon. Introduced in Green Lantern #87 (1971), the character became the first African-American Green Lantern, breaking barriers in the comic book industry.

Pierre expressed excitement about bringing Stewart’s character to life in a way that contemporary audiences could relate to.

“John Stewart is a figure of courage, leadership and responsibility,” Pierre said. “In a world grappling with so many challenges, his story feels more relevant than ever.”

Pierre also noted that Lanterns wanted to explore the complexities of Stewart’s character, from his military background to his role as the moral compass in the Green Lantern Corps.

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Crafting a New Dynamic: Pierre and Co-Stars

Another important aspect of Lanterns is its two-protagonist structure, with Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart sharing the spotlight with Hal Jordan, played by Finn Wittrock.

Pierre praised Wittrock’s portrayal of Hal Jordan, describing their relationship as one of mutual respect and sometimes tension.

“John and Hal are very different people,” Pierre explains. “While Hal can be instinctive, John is calculated and disciplined. Their differences create a compelling dynamic that drives the story.”

Comic book fans will recognize this relationship as a cornerstone of the Green Lantern mythos. The interactions between the two characters often highlight their contrasting approaches to heroism while demonstrating their shared commitment to justice.

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The Importance of Representation

Pierre also addressed the significance of representation in superhero media.

“When I was a kid, there weren’t many superheroes who looked like me,” Pierre shared. “Playing John Stewart is a huge honor because I know how much he means to people who have been waiting to see themselves reflected in this world.”

The actor emphasized that Lanterns is not just about action scenes and intergalactic battles; it also tells a story that resonates on a human level.

How Pierre is Preparing for the Role

Taking on a superhero role is no small feat, and Pierre has been hard at work preparing for his turn as John Stewart.

“Of course I’m immersed in comics, but I’m also focusing on physical and mental preparation,” Pierre said.

The actor revealed that his training involved a combination of fitness, fight choreography, and studying military protocols to realistically portray Stewart’s past as a Marine. Pierre is also working closely with the show’s creative team to ensure his interpretation of John Stewart fits their vision while staying true to the character’s comic book roots.

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Why Pierre is the Perfect John Stewart

Ryan Reynolds’ Green Lantern: A Learning Opportunity

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Conclusion: A Bright Future for Green Lantern Fans