TheDCUhas cast its first Green Lantern, adapting the iconic John Stewart to live-action for the first time inLanterns. John Stewart is one of several heroes who have used the Green Lantern moniker but is perhaps one of the most beloved. Known for his leadership, tactical brilliance, and ability to overcome immense challenges, Stewart has become a fan favorite since his introduction in the comics. John Stewart is set to appear alongside the more famous Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, inthe DCU’sLanterns.
James Gunn’s DCU is a massive overhaul of DC’s cinematic world. With a renewed focus on character-driven storytelling and interconnected narratives, the DCU is set to revitalize the DCU timeline. One of the major upcoming projects is theDCU’sLanternsseries, that will focus on two Green Lanterns, John Stewart and Hal Jordan, as they investigate a dark mystery that ties into the larger DCU narrative.
Aaron Pierre Is The DCU’s John Stewart
In James Gunn’sLanterns, Aaron Pierre plays the role of John Stewart. Pierre is a British actor whose career has steadily risen over the past few years. One of hisfirst roles was in another DC Comics project, SyFy’sKrypton. Pierre played the Kryptonian soldier Dev-Em, a character normally associated with Superman.
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Pierre is also known for his role in Amazon Prime’s miniseriesThe Underground Railroad. Pierre subsequently appeared in M. Night Shyamalan’sOld, where he showcased histalent for bringing complex and emotionally charged characters to life. In 2024, Pierre stars in the crime thriller Rebel Ridge and voices Mufassa in the Disney prequelMufassa: The Lion King.
The casting of Pierre is part of the larger rebranding of the DCU under James Gunn and producer Peter Safran, both of whom are taking a more hands-on approach toensure that characters are portrayed with depth and authenticity. WhileLanternswill feature two Green Lanterns - John Stewart and Hal Jordan - John Stewart is particularly exciting because he is a fan favorite in both comics and animated series likeJustice League.
John Stewart’s Comic Book Backstory Explained
John Stewart made his first appearance inGreen LanternVol. 2 #87 in 1971, created by writer Dennis O’Neil and artist Neal Adams. He was introduced as the first African-American Green Lantern, at a time when comic books wereincreasingly reflecting social changes and diversityin American society. Stewart was chosen by the Guardians of the Universe to serve as a backup to Hal Jordan, after Jordan’s original backup, Guy Gardner, was injured.
Stewart’s background sets him apart from other Green Lanterns. Before becoming a Green Lantern, John Stewart was an architect and a Marine, a combination that hasproven invaluable in his role as a member of the Green Lantern Corps. His military background gives him a strong sense of discipline and tactical knowledge, while his architectural expertise allows him to create more intricate and creative constructs with his Green Lantern ring.
Lanternswill air on HBO Max.
In the comics, John Stewart’s journey has been marked by several defining moments. One of the most pivotal is his role in the destruction of the planet Xanshi, an event that haunts him throughout his career. Stewart’s arrogance led him to believe he could single-handedly save the planet from destruction, but his failure resulted in the deaths of billions. This moment became a crucial aspect of his character,forcing him to confront his own limitations and inspiring him to become a more responsible and level-headed hero.
Stewart has also led the Green Lantern Corps on several occasions, proving himself as a capable leader and strategist. Unlike many other Lanterns, who often struggle with impulsiveness and ego, Stewart is known for his patience, planning, and ability to see the bigger picture. His journey from a backup Lantern toone of the Corps’ most respected membersis a testament to his growth as a character.
Why John Stewart Is So Important To The Green Lanterns
John Stewart stands out among Green Lanterns because he is fundamentally a team player. The Green Lantern Corps is built on the idea of willpower and individuality, with many Lanterns being headstrong and fiercely independent. However,Stewart’s unique qualities as a leader and a strategistallow him to harness the abilities of those around him and coordinate their efforts in ways few others can.
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Stewart’s military training means he is accustomed to working within a structured team dynamic, and his architectural background gives him a methodical approach to problem-solving. In battle, Stewart is often seen analyzing situations, formulating plans, andensuring that the Green Lantern Corps operates like a well-oiled machine. His leadership skills have earned him the respect of not only his fellow Lanterns but also other heroes across the DC Universe.
Green Lanterns like Hal Jordan and Guy Gardner are known for their brashness and impulsiveness. Whereas John Stewart’s steady handmakes him a perfect counterbalance to these more chaotic personalities. His ability to strategize and his calm demeanor under pressure have allowed him to lead the Corps during some of its most challenging moments.
John Stewart Became The Ultimate Green Lantern In Comics… Will The Same Be True In The DCU?
After absorbing the Godstorm, a cosmic force of immense magnitude, Stewart gained the combined strength of the entire Corps, becoming a living embodiment of its might.
John Stewart has long been one of the Green Lantern Corps' most formidable members, and his power has only grown over time, becoming what many refer to asthe Ultimate Green Lantern. After absorbing the Godstorm, a cosmic force of immense magnitude, Stewart gained the combined strength of the entire Corps,becoming a living embodiment of its might. This allows John to conjure without the need for a Power Ring.
Other Green Lanterns, like Hal Jordan and Kyle Rayner, have temporarily wielded godlike power. Hal served as the Spectre, and Kyle mastered the Emotional Spectrum to become a White Lantern. However, unlike them, John retains his cosmic strength,cementing his place as the mightiest Green Lantern.
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The DCU’s approach to John Stewart will likely be a slow burn, allowing the character to grow and evolve over multiple films and series. However, given Stewart’s comic book history and his importance to the Green Lantern Corps,it seems inevitable that his journey will take him to great heights. Whether or not he becomes the ultimate Green Lantern in the same way he has in the comics, one thing is certain - John Stewart’s story is one of perseverance, leadership, and heroism, and his arrival inLanternsis sure to have a major impact on the entire DCU franchise.
Lanterns
Cast
Lanterns: John Stewart and Hal Jordan, intergalactic law enforcers, unite in this series to investigate a murder mystery set in the American heartland, intertwining their efforts in the defense of Earth.
