The DCU’s highly anticipated Lanterns series is preparing to hit screens in 2026. But before that project came along, one of the show’s lead stars was cast in a cursed MCU movie.
Speaking to Men’s health, Aaron Pierre revealed that he was cast in the upcoming Blade movie before being dropped from the project. “I remember being cast in Blade and feeling elated,” the actor shared. “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.”
Image via DC Comics
Per the official synopsis, “the Lanterns series follows intergalactic cops Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Pierre) as they investigate a murder in the American heartland. The investigation pulls them into a larger, darker mystery within the new DC Universe.” The series, which has found a home on HBO, is created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King.
Mundy, who also serves as showrunner, described the series as just as much of a “buddy cop show as a superhero show.” That means, Hal and John will often be at odds. “Our show is in a lot of ways about replacement – when should someone step aside and when is it time for the next person to take the reins?” Mundy explained. “That push and pull between those two characters is really important.”
“So much of the power that John has is by not taking the bait, understanding that you lose your power if you’re yelling and screaming,” Mundy continued. “That’s what we’re trying to convey. He knows he belongs, so he doesn’t have to overcompensate. There’s a real balance there that’s just innately inside of Aaron. He’s big. He’s an intimidating presence just physically.”
Pierre Is Getting Another Chance at Playing A Superhero
“But there’s a softness to him too. There’s a thoughtfulness. You can’t teach that,” Mundy added. Pierre went on to explain what taking on the John Stewart role means to him. “For me, the character just radiates strength and fortitude,” he said. “That hunger to be the best version of yourself, which also holds you accountable when you’re not.”
According to Mundy, Pierre is also very aware of the responsibility and downsides that come with playing a popular comic book superhero. “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. “I think fans will see the reverence he has for it, and that goes a long way.”
Meanwhile, Marvel’s troubled Blade movie is still in the works, with Mahershala Ali set to portray the titular character Mia Goth, who will also appear in the film, recently confirmed that production is slowly moving along. “It’s for the best that it’s taken the time that it has. They want to do it right,” the actor said, referring to the countless hiccups the production has run into since it was first announced.
Lanterns will premiere on HBO in early 2026 and will consist of eight episodes.
Release Date
2026
Network
HBO
Directors
James Hawes
Writers
Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof
Aaron Pierre
John Stewart