Aaron Pierre is an introvert.
More specifically, “recluse” is a word he brings up multiple times.
But his presence on screen feels more like a transformation for the real Pierre.
Aaron Pierre on the red carpet for the UK premiere of ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’.Kate Green/Getty
“It’s been a really beautiful year.
Kate Green/Getty
What is he reading these days?
“I’m actually really into stoicism right now.
Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in ‘Rebel Ridge’.Allyson Riggs/Netflix
“It’s lots of amazing, amazing gems in there.”
He opens up about it all in an interview with EW.
When was your first inkling thatRebel Ridgewas getting the attention that it got at that time?
Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre) in ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’.Disney
All you’re able to focus on is the moment which you have to create the thing.
We are going to leave no stone unturned.
We are going to give it everything.”
Aaron Pierre to play John Stewart in HBO’s ‘Lanterns’.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic; DC
And beyond that point, we just have to set it free.
And we did that.
When people had the opportunity to engage with it, we were just blown away.
I also wanted to bring upUnderground Railroad.
Did conversations forMufasastart when you were making that show?
No, they didn’t, actually.
I remember Barry texted me something like, “Can you sing?”
And I was like, “We’ll see!”
Did Barry talk about the film in Shakespearian terms with you all behind the scenes?
Yeah, for sure.
So, we definitely discussed and delved into the enormity of what we were embarking on.
[The Lion King] was one of the first Disney movies that I ever watched.
It was just so captivating.
James Earl Jones casts a very large shadow over the character of Mufasa.
How helpful was it for you as an actor to look back on what he did with the role?
I was massively inspired by James Earl Jones' thegreatJames Earl Jones' original portrayal of Mufasa.
He’s the top of the mountain.
It doesn’t get higher than James Earl Jones for me.
Firstly, Kelvin Harrison, Jr. is my brother and a phenomenal artist.
I love him so very dearly.Genius: MLK/Xwas truly a massive moment of evolution and growth for me.
I wanted to serve him.
I wanted to serve Dr. Betty Shabazz [Malcolm’s wife].
I wanted to serve their legacies.
I wanted to serve their courage.
I wanted to serve their passion for unifying people.
They knew what they were doing because they know I’m an over-thinker, they know how I operate.
I didn’t say yes straight away.
Disney
If you could, is there another iconic character pairing that you and Kelvin could play together?
We’re actually looking for a play right now.
We’re both hungry to be on stage, and we’re just looking for the right thing.
We actually both have a script that we need to read.
Hopefully, we will land on that thing soon.
You’re casting in HBO’sLanternswas so heavily monitored by the press.
It was a beautiful experience.
As I say, I am an introvert.
I’m a firm believer that what’s meant for you won’t miss you.
So, I gave my best and then set it free.
Hopefully, I serve the Green Lantern Corps.
We’re just really excited for the people to see what we put together here.
Have you seen the original Ryan Reynolds live-action movie?
I haven’t seen that, no.
Is that on your list to research before filming starts?
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic; DC
I grew up watchingJustice LeagueandJustice League Unlimited.
That was the biggest representation of John Stewart on screen for me.
Was that also your era when you were younger, or did you miss that?
I thinkJustice League Unlimitedmight have been one of my first introductions to John Stewart.
I think it’s just so exciting.
We can’t wait to get to work.
I also wanted to ask you aboutThe Morning Show.
Talk about a very distinct and completely different flavor.
What was that experience like coming into this New York-set drama?
Mufasa: The Lion Kingopens in theaters this Friday.Rebel Ridgeis currently available to stream on Netflix.
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