HBO’s Lanterns Has Found Its John Stewart in Aaron Pierre

In late September, reports were flying that HBO, DC Studios, and Warner Bros. had narrowed down their list of candidates to play John Stewart on Lanterns to just two actors. Now, we know who it’ll be: Rebel Ridge star Aaron Pierre.

This news comes courtesy of an HBO press release, which doesn’t mention Kyle Chandler—the performer most recently “in negotiations” to play Hal Jordan after Josh Brolin passed on it. It does remind us of the official logline for the live-action show: “The series follows 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;” when Chandler’s casting was teased, the Hollywood Reporter noted the aim was a “gritty, True Detective vibe as it focuses on Jordan reluctantly mentoring a younger Lantern, John Stewart, who in DC publishing history was one of the company’s first Black superheroes.”

Pierre may be an up-and-comer at the moment, but he’s about to see his profile raised exponentially: he’ll star as the title character Mufasa in Barry Jenkins’ much-anticipated Lion King prequel, coming this December from Disney.

As for Lanterns, there’s no word yet on when it’ll hit HBO, but the press release does contain some other key details: it’s co-written by Chris Mundy (Ozark), Damon Lindelof (Watchmen), and acclaimed comic writer Tom King; the first two episodes are directed by James Hawes; and, of course, it’s based on the DC comic Green Lantern.

DC head honcho James Gunn extended a warm welcome to his latest star:

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

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.