Despite the breakaway success of Rebel Ridge, James Gunn has confirmed that Aaron Pierre’s recent casting in HBO’s Lanterns series had nothing to do with the hit action flick. Pierre was recently cast as John Stewart in the new DC Universe series, alongside Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan. The show has been described as a True Detective-inspired mystery, centering on the Lantern Corps, the galaxy’s police force. Pierre’s casting feels incredibly relevant and well-timed following Rebel Ridge‘s release. But, Gunn denies any influence from the movie.
Taking to Instagram, James Gunn shared the news of Pierre’s casting, writing “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.” As he so often does, the director and co-head of DC Studios took a scroll through the comments section, responding to the occasional question about the DC Universe. One fan asked if Rebel Ridge convinced Gunn to cast the British actor in the new Lanterns series. Gunn simply replied:
“No.
His screen test convinced me.
“
DC fans have been hypothetically casting John Stewart for years. Big names like Idris Elba and Daniel Kaluuya have all been thrown around the internet as fans try and create the perfect cinematic Green Lantern Corps. When Rebel Ridge was released on Netflix in September, it’s star, Aaron Pierre, quickly shot to the top of many fan casting lists. Inspired by Rambo, Rebel Ridge sees Terry Richmond, a former military instructor, battle against the corrupt cops in a small southern town to free his wrongly incarcerated brother. The film received rave reviews, with many praising Pierre’s electrifying performance and physicality. Whether Rebel Ridge had any effect on James Gunn’s decision will remain up for debate. But, what really matters, is that Gunn has answered the prayers of many fans by casting Pierre.
Who Is John Stewart in Lanterns?
In the DC Comics universe, John Stewart is one of the most highly regarded Green Lanterns, and even becomes the leader of the intergalactic space force. Before being chosen by his ring of power, Stewart was a soldier in the U.S. Marine Corps who was honorably discharged after an altercation with his incompetent platoon leader. John Stewart had been watched by the Guardians of the Universe since he was a child, and his honorable actions in the Marine Corps and his life as an architect following his release made him a perfect candidate.
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Friday Night Lights’ Kyle Chandler has emerged as the new front-runner to play Green Lantern Hal Jordan in the HBO series Lanterns.
John Stewart is one of many Green Lanterns who will make up the DC Universe’s Lantern Corps. James Gunn recently cemented the casting of Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan in the DCU — which had been rumored for some weeks. Joining the pair will be Guy Gardner, played by frequent James Gunn collaborator, Nathan Fillion. Gardner will be the first Lantern to appear on-screen in the DCU, with a supporting role in Superman, before he joins his teammates in Lanterns.