Like many superheroes in Marvel and DC, there have been numerous characters who have taken on the mantle of a certain character over the years, especially when it comes to DC’s Green Lanterns.
The core group hailing from Earth includes Hal Jordan (the iconic Silver Age test pilot and Justice League founding member), the brash Guy Gardner (who could forget that bowl cut?!), the more recent Jessica Cruz (the first female human Green Lantern) and – perhaps the fan favourite of the bunch – John Stewart.
First appearing as Green Lantern in Green Lantern #87 back in December 1971, John Stewart was DC Comics’ first African-American superhero, and the character quickly established a crucial legacy in comic book history.
The former U.S. Marine shot up the ranks of fan favourites among children who grew up watching the Justice League and Justice League Unlimited cartoons.
Speaking at the recent Lanterns press conference in London, Aaron Pierre discussed the incredible weight of taking on the mantle, particularly for fans who grew up with the Justice League cartoons back in the early noughties, courtesy of a question from Get Your Comic On’s Neil Vagg.
“I think it’s equal parts two things. You know, there’s feeling the enormity of the responsibility, the weight of the legacy. And then also, in equal measure, it is an immense excitement and joy and gratitude that comes with it.”
He also wanted to reassure fans that he’s certainly done his homework when it comes to the DC character, explaining: “before we commenced filming and pre-production, I did all of the necessary research and revision, understanding the nuances of who this character is, the individual is within the context of the lore.”
However, two episodes into the latest DC series on HBO Max, it’s clear that the creative team are approaching the character quite differently from what we’ve seen before – with the Rebel Ridge actor confirming that he’s brought his own interpretation of the character to the screen.
“But then, as with any character that you play, or I’ll speak for myself, any character that I portray, I also believe you have a responsibility to bring your truth to it and your essence to it, so that it can be something that is authentic and therefore can hopefully resonate with audiences and those who gift us with their viewership.”
“And that’s the same with any character that I’ll portray”, he continued. “But it was an especially enjoyable and rewarding journey doing that within the context of Jon Stewart.”
Lanterns continues on HBO Max UK on Mondays.
