Celebrity News
Aaron Pierre Cast as John Stewart in HBO’s ‘Lanterns’
Aaron Pierre has been officially cast as John Stewart in HBO’s upcoming “Lanterns.” This casting marks a significant moment for DC’s live-action universe and Pierre, whose trajectory in Hollywood has been nothing short of meteoric.
John Stewart, a character with deep roots in DC lore, first appeared in “Green Lantern” #87 in 1972, created by Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams. Known for his military background and no-nonsense attitude, Stewart was the first African American Green Lantern, bringing diversity to a genre predominantly featuring white heroes. His portrayal has varied over the years, from animated series to video games, but HBO’s “Lanterns” introduces him to live-action in a way that could redefine the character for a new generation.
Aaron Pierre, born in Brixton, London, has quickly become one of the most talked-about actors in Hollywood. His journey to John Stewart began with more minor roles but gained momentum with his portrayal of Dev-Em in the Syfy series “Krypton.” However, his role in “Rebel Ridge,” a Netflix action film that captured widespread attention, solidified his status as a rising star. Pierre’s performance as an ex-Marine showcased his ability to embody complex, action-oriented characters, a skillset that no doubt played into his casting as Stewart.
“Lanterns” promises to delve into the darker, more mysterious aspects of the Green Lantern mythos. Set against the backdrop of the American heartland, the series will explore a murder mystery that draws in both John Stewart, the new recruit, and Hal Jordan, a veteran Lantern, into an earth-based intrigue. This narrative choice not only grounds the cosmic elements of the Green Lantern lore in a familiar setting but also allows for a deep exploration of John Stewart’s character, his military background, and his transition into a cosmic peacekeeper.
The casting of Pierre as John Stewart has been met with widespread excitement online, especially given his physicality and the depth he brings to his roles. Often depicted as stoic but deeply principled, Stewart requires an actor who can convey strength and vulnerability. Pierre’s previous roles, especially his recent ventures like playing Malcolm X in “Genius: MLK/X,” have shown his capacity for portraying characters with historical weight, making him an apt choice for a superhero who carries the legacy of representation in superhero narratives.
‘Genius: MLK/X’
Moreover, “Lanterns” isn’t just about superhero action; it’s a character study wrapped in a cape. The series, spearheaded by HBO in association with Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios, aims to weave complex narratives around its characters. John Stewart’s inclusion in this narrative isn’t just about diversity in casting but about exploring themes of duty, justice, and identity through his eyes. Pierre’s casting adds a layer of authenticity to this exploration, given his background and the gravitas he brings to his performances.
The collaboration between Pierre and Kyle Chandler, who plays Hal Jordan, sets the stage for a dynamic duo that could redefine buddy cop dynamics within the superhero genre. Their chemistry, combined with the series’ premise, hints at a narrative where action meets introspection, where the battles fought are as much internal as they are cosmic.
As “Lanterns” prepares to launch, the spotlight on Pierre only intensifies. His role as John Stewart isn’t just a career highlight but a testament to his rising star status in Hollywood. For fans of DC and newcomers alike, Pierre’s portrayal promises to bring a fresh perspective to a beloved character, potentially making John Stewart as iconic in live-action as he has been in comics and animation.
Ryan Coogler, the acclaimed director of Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, has confirmed that Hollywood legend Denzel Washington will join the cast of Black Panther 3. This announcement came during Coogler’s appearance on the 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony podcast, where he revealed that he has written a role specifically for the two-time Oscar winner, whom he regards as “the greatest living actor.”
Washington first hinted at his involvement in the Marvel project during a November 2024 interview on the Today show in Australia, generating excitement among fans. Coogler, who has long admired Washington, expressed his enthusiasm about their upcoming collaboration, noting their close relationship and Washington’s cultural significance. “Denzel is family at this point,” he said in the interview.
Although Marvel Studios has not officially announced Black Panther 3, the franchise’s success, having grossed over $2 billion globally from its first two films, makes a third installment a logical step. The film is still in early development, and while there is no confirmed release date, Coogler hinted that it’s “not long” away, potentially targeting a 2028 release following Avengers: Secret Wars.
Speculation about Washington’s role is abundant, with fans suggesting he could portray a new Wakandan character, a historical figure like Bashenga, or even a multiverse variant of T’Challa or T’Chaka. The emotional connection to the late Chadwick Boseman, who credited Washington’s mentorship for his career, adds significant weight to this casting choice.
Halle Berry and Van Hunt went public with their relationship in September 2020. After five years of dating, Hunt, a Grammy-winning musician, proposed to the Oscar-winning actress, but Berry has not yet accepted.
Berry’s decision to decline Hunt’s proposal, at least for now, stems primarily from her history with marriage. The actress has been married three times previously—to former MLB player David Justice (1993–1997), singer Eric Benét (2001–2005), and actor Olivier Martinez (2013–2016). She also shares a daughter, Nahla, 17, with ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry, and a son, Maceo, 11, with Martinez. Hunt has been married once and has a teenage son, Drake.
During the Today interview, Berry explained, “Well, I’ve been married three times. Van has been married once, and so no, we don’t feel like we have to get married to validate our love in any way. We don’t.”
While Berry has not accepted Hunt’s proposal, she has not ruled out marriage entirely. In the same interview, she expressed that she believes Hunt is the right partner for her, stating, “I think we will get married just because, out of the people I’ve been married to, this is the person I should have married.” She added that any future marriage would be a choice made out of desire for expression, not obligation, and hinted at a potential wedding “soon.”
The Girlfriends Reunite for Tracee Ellis Ross’s Pattern Beauty Campaign
Smoke Review: A Slow-Burn Thriller with Standout Performances
Keke Palmer Is A Criminal Mastermind in ‘The Pickup’ Starring Eddie Murphy & Pete Davidson (Trailer)
Ryan Coogler Confirms Denzel Washington Will Star in ‘Black Panther 3’
