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.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Joseph Marcell, known for his iconic portrayal of Geoffrey, the butler, is set to join the cast of the hit series Bel-Air in its highly anticipated third season.

The series, which premiered in 2022, offers a dramatic take on the original premise. It follows a young man’s journey from West Philadelphia as he navigates life with his wealthy relatives in the affluent neighborhood of Bel-Air.

The new trailer opens with Will (Jabari Banks) and Carlton (Olly Sholotan) working as waiters at Uncle Phil’s (Adrian Holmes) country club, hinting at a summer job that may lead to more than just serving drinks. Meanwhile, Hilary (Coco Jones) and Jazz (Jordan L. Jones) try to sort through their differences, and Geoffrey (Jimmy Akingbola) deals with some of his old demons from his past in London.

The trailer also teases a mysterious member of the Banks family’s past, played by Marcell.

Showrunner Carla Banks-Waddles has shared her enthusiasm for Marcell joining the cast. “Joseph Marcell is a phenomenal actor, and we are thrilled to have him join the Bel-Air family,” she said in a statement. “His presence will add a new layer of depth to the show, and we can’t wait for fans to see what we have in store.”

“It’s an honor to be a part of this new chapter in the Bel-Air story,” In an exclusive interview with Teen Vogue, Marcell shared his thoughts on joining the show, “I’m excited to explore Geoffrey’s character in a different light and to work with such a talented cast and crew.”

Watch the trailer below.

BET+ has released the first trailer for season 5 of ‘The Family Business,’ starring Ernie Hudson as LC Duncan. The highly anticipated new season will premiere on BET+ on July 4th.

Based on Carl Weber’s bestselling book series, the show follows the Duncan family, who run an exotic car dealership in New York while also operating a dangerous criminal empire.

In the finale of season 4, the Family dealt with the aftermath of L.C.’s death and the Federal Reserve heist, setting the stage for a thrilling new season. The Duncans are determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious killer known as The Ghost and protect their business from rival Mr. Smith.

The new trailer opens with a scene of the Duncan family gathered around a table, discussing their next move. The tension is palpable, and it’s clear that the stakes are higher than ever before. The voiceover, provided by Ernie Hudson, who plays the patriarch, sets the tone for the season: “Family is everything. But what happens when the Family you’ve built starts to crumble?”

The trailer then cuts to a series of action-packed scenes showcasing the Duncans’ high-stakes world. We see them navigating dangerous situations, making tough decisions, and facing off against powerful enemies.

The series also stars Sean Ringgold, Arrington Foster, Tami Roman, and more.

The first two episodes of Season 5 will be available on BET+ on July 4th, and new episodes will follow every Thursday.

Watch the trailer above.