Aaron Pierre calls for a return to classic Justice League cartoons

In an upcoming HBO series titled Lanterns, Aaron Pierre is set to portray the character John Stewart, a prominent figure within the Green Lantern Corps. Pierre, who will play this live-action version of the character, has revealed that he has not yet watched the 2011 film featuring Ryan Reynolds, which is often criticized for its portrayal of the Green Lantern lore. Instead, Pierre identifies the 1990s animated series Justice League and its follow-up, Justice League Unlimited, as his first and significant introductions to John Stewart. These series aired around the early 2000s when Pierre was between the ages of 10 and 12, making it a pivotal time in his childhood. During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Pierre expressed his intention to watch the 2011 movie during his preparation for the upcoming series, acknowledging its place in the broader context of Green Lantern adaptations despite its negative reception. He credits the earlier animated versions of the character, particularly that voiced by Phil LaMarr, for greatly influencing his understanding and connection to John Stewart. In Lanterns, Pierre’s character will team-up with Hal Jordan, another well-known Green Lantern, marking a significant moment for fans of the franchise. Hal Jordan will be portrayed by Kyle Chandler, and the script will see the characters working together within the Green Lantern Corps, expanding the universe significantly. Notably, Pierre's enthusiastic approach to his role includes an emphasis on delivering a faithful and nuanced portrayal that reflects the depth of the character. He was unaware of the media excitement surrounding the casting process, stating that he focused on the rigorous auditioning phase without concern for external chatter or speculation. Pierre commented on his belief in letting go after putting in his best effort during auditions, demonstrating a mix of dedication and a healthy detachment from the industry's demands. The series Lanterns is anticipated to premiere either late next year or sometime in 2026, marking a significant addition to the DC Universe on HBO and promising to engage a broad audience with its beloved characters. As fans eagerly await the series, there is a growing enthusiasm around how Lanterns will handle the rich stories of the Green Lanterns and introduce new narratives for both established characters and those newer to the franchise. Ensuring that the portrayal of John Stewart is respectful to both the fans and the source material, Aaron Pierre remains optimistic about bringing this iconic character to life in a way that resonates with audiences old and new. The excitement for the series indicates a potential resurgence of interest in DC's Green Lantern stories, which have had complicated receptions in the past. As the world of superhero shows on television continues to evolve, Lanterns stands as a promising entry that could redefine how audiences engage with these larger-than-life characters.