Aaron Pierre's Big Move: How Blade's Troubles Paved the Way for DCU's Lanterns

Talk about a career upgrade! Actor Aaron Pierre, set to light up the DCU as John Stewart in the upcoming Lanterns series, recently opened up about his earlier, short-lived casting in Marvel's infamously delayed Blade movie.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop

• Aaron Pierre was initially cast in Marvel's Blade but exited due to "different creative directions" amid the film's many production delays.
• He's now a major player in the DCU, starring as John Stewart in HBO's Lanterns series, alongside Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, premiering in early 2026.
• The Lanterns showrunner hints that John Stewart's arc will explore themes of "replacement," potentially setting him up as the DCU's lead Green Lantern.

If you're keeping up with the superhero movie world, you know it's been a wild ride lately. While the MCU has had its fair share of stumbles, especially with the long-suffering Blade reboot, the DCU is gearing up for a fresh start under James Gunn and Peter Safran. And caught right in the middle of this superhero reshuffle is the talented Aaron Pierre.

Pierre is set to make a huge splash as John Stewart, one of the most beloved Green Lanterns, in the upcoming HBO series Lanterns. But before he picked up a power ring for DC, he had a fleeting connection to Marvel's vampire hunter. It's a classic tale of one door closing, and a much bigger, brighter one opening!

From MCU's Blade Troubles to DCU's Green Light for Aaron Pierre

Back in February 2022, Aaron Pierre was announced to be joining the cast of Marvel's Blade, the highly anticipated reboot starring Mahershala Ali as the titular Daywalker. As you can imagine, Pierre was "elated" at the prospect of joining the MCU, a sentiment he shared with Men's Health.

However, the Blade movie has been, to put it mildly, a rollercoaster. Plagued by creative differences, director changes, and script overhauls, the film has faced numerous delays, pushing its release date further and further back until it was eventually pulled from Marvel's schedule entirely. During one of these many shifts, Pierre found himself no longer attached to the project.

"I remember being cast in Blade and feeling elated. But something I learned during that time was that until you step foot on the set, you haven't commenced work. It just took a different creative direction, and I was no longer a part of it. You have to accept that."

— Aaron Pierre, speaking to Men's Health

It's a tough lesson, but one that ultimately cleared the path for a massive opportunity. By October 2024, Pierre was officially cast as John Stewart in the DCU's upcoming Lanterns series, a move that feels like a huge win given Blade's continued struggles.

The MCU's Blade: A Saga of Endless Setbacks and Creative Confusion

The journey of Marvel's Blade has been a cautionary tale in Hollywood. Announced with much fanfare at San Diego Comic-Con way back in 2019, the film was meant to bring Mahershala Ali's vision of the character to life. But nearly five years later, it's still stuck in development hell.

The movie has cycled through at least two directors – Bassam Tariq and Yann Demange – and an astonishing six writers, including talents behind hits like The Bear, X-Men '97, and True Detective. Each change brought a new vision, fundamentally altering the film's premise. Kevin Feige himself confirmed that at various points, the story was envisioned as both a 1920s period piece and a contemporary modern-day thriller. These constant pivots meant that characters and plotlines that once made sense were suddenly obsolete.

Aaron Pierre wasn't the only casualty of these creative shake-ups. Veteran actor Delroy Lindo also departed the project. While Mahershala Ali remains attached to star and Mia Goth is slated to play the villain Lilith, even they've had to contend with the uncertainty. Goth, for her part, has tried to remain positive, suggesting that the delays are a sign that "they want to do it right."

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has been candid about the film's challenges, admitting that the early scripts simply "weren't 'insanely great.'" In a post-Endgame world, Marvel aimed for higher quality, and Blade, according to Feige, just wasn't hitting the mark. With no new release date in sight and reports suggesting development was "paused," it seems Aaron Pierre's departure was less of a loss and more of a timely escape.

Aaron Pierre Finds His Home as John Stewart in DCU's Lanterns

After dodging the Blade bullet, Aaron Pierre quickly found his next superhero calling, landing a pivotal role in James Gunn's ambitious new DC Universe. He's set to star as John Stewart in the highly anticipated Lanterns series, which will premiere on HBO in early 2026. The series will consist of eight episodes and is a cornerstone of the new DCU, expected to be the third live-action project after Superman and Peacemaker Season 2.

Lanterns is far from your typical superhero show. Created by a stellar team including Chris Mundy (who also serves as showrunner), Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, the series is described as much a "buddy cop show as a superhero show." The official synopsis reveals that it will follow intergalactic police officers Hal Jordan (played by the esteemed Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart as they investigate a murder in the American heartland. This local investigation quickly spirals into a "larger, darker mystery within the new DC Universe."

The dynamic between the seasoned, 60-year-old Hal Jordan and the newer recruit John Stewart is central to the series. Showrunner Chris Mundy teases that the two Lanterns will often be at odds, creating a compelling "push and pull" that explores themes of "replacement – when should someone step aside and when is it time for the next person to take the reins?" This narrative choice strongly hints at John Stewart potentially becoming the DCU's primary Green Lantern moving forward, with Hal taking on a mentorship role.

Stepping Up to the Power Ring: John Stewart's Deep Meaning

For Aaron Pierre, taking on the mantle of John Stewart is more than just another acting gig; it's a role with profound significance. "For me, the character just radiates strength and fortitude," Pierre shared, emphasizing John's "hunger to be the best version of yourself, which also holds you accountable when you're not."

Showrunner Chris Mundy has been effusive in his praise for Pierre, highlighting the actor's innate qualities that make him perfect for the part. "Aaron felt a responsibility, especially as a Black man playing this particular role, to make sure he really understood him and brought him to life," Mundy explained. He noted Pierre's physical presence and intensity, but also a "softness... thoughtfulness... a real balance there that's just innately inside of Aaron." Mundy added, "He knows he belongs, so he doesn't have to overcompensate." This deep understanding and respect for the character promise a powerful portrayal that fans are sure to connect with.

The "replacement" theme teased by Mundy is particularly exciting for longtime Green Lantern fans. It suggests a thoughtful transition, allowing Hal Jordan to shine while setting the stage for John Stewart to rise as a central figure in the DCU. This could mean Pierre's John Stewart will eventually join David Corenswet's Superman and the upcoming Batman and Wonder Woman as founding members of the new Justice League. In fact, Pierre has already hinted at a potential return in Man of Tomorrow, the much-anticipated Superman sequel slated for July 2027.

Beyond Superheroes: Aaron Pierre's Rapid Ascent as a Rising Star

While his superhero roles are garnering significant attention, Aaron Pierre's career is flourishing far beyond the DCU. In 2024, he shot to stardom as the lead in the Emmy-winning Netflix original movie, Rebel Ridge, where he portrayed a former Marine confronting corruption. The film debuted in September 2024 and quickly became a hit, showcasing his dramatic range and action capabilities.

He also lent his distinctive voice to the young titular character in Disney's successful Mufasa: The Lion King, released in 2024, which grossed over $723 million worldwide. And the intergalactic adventures don't stop with Green Lantern! Pierre is also set to venture into a galaxy far, far away, appearing in an undisclosed role in Shawn Levy's Star Wars: Starfighter, slated for release in May 2027.

Pierre's growing resume, which also includes a stint in Syfy's Superman prequel series Krypton from 2018 to 2019, demonstrates his versatility and demand across major franchises. His journey from a "cursed" Marvel project to a key figure in the DCU and a part of the Star Wars universe is a testament to his talent and the unpredictable nature of Hollywood. It seems that being dropped from Blade was truly a blessing in disguise, allowing him to grab hold of opportunities that promise a much brighter, and certainly more stable, future.

FAQ: Your Top Questions About Lanterns Answered!

When does Lanterns premiere? The Lanterns series is slated to premiere in early 2026. Where can I watch Lanterns? Lanterns will be available to stream on HBO and HBO Max (in the US). How many episodes will Lanterns have? The first season of Lanterns will consist of eight episodes. Who are the main Green Lanterns in the series? The show will primarily follow Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart. Sources

• CBR.com
• MovieWeb.com
• TheDirect.com
• FandomWire.com
• ScreenRant.com
• JoBlo.com