Aaron Pierre is set to become a very big deal indeed over the next couple of years, with lead roles in the DCU series Lanterns where he’ll star as John Stewart and in 2027’s Star Wars: Starfighter, which is currently filming. Speaking with Esquire, and confirming what a well turned out fellow he really is, Pierre talked about Lanterns (“There’s just a relatability to it that is beautiful. Hopefully that resonates with everybody”) and smartly dodged probing questions regarding Starfighter (“I’ll tell you what: We’re going to speak on the press tour again, and then I’ll tell you everything“) but was more than happy to expand on how excited he is for what we’ll be seeing late May 2027.
“All I can say is Shawn [Levy, the director] is so very wonderful. He’s so passionate. He cares so very much, as does everyone who is involved in this. And we’re really doing our best to bring the very best version of this film to the fans and the supporters, and to those who will be introduced to the world for the first time. We understand the magnitude of this, so we’re very excited.
“I often think about my first experience and how much of a core memory it was. And then, in addition to thinking about how much of a core memory it is, I think about all of the emotions associated with that core memory. And I only have positive emotions associated with that. And I would love if ours is a core memory for many, and they only have positive emotions and feelings associated with it. I’m confident that we will achieve that, because everyone is so invested and so passionate, and they care. And I really believe that will translate on the screen.”
Aaron also has vivid and fond memories of his first Star Wars experience when The Phantom Menace arrived in the UK in the summer of 1999.
“It was in 1999, The Phantom Menace. I saw it with my uncle. I remember the day so vividly because it was the first Star Wars I ever saw, and it was on a massive screen at the local theater. Both of my parents were working, and my uncle was available to take care of me that day. He figured the best way to take care of a kid for a day was to take him to see Star Wars. It was a weekday, and I remember there not being an enormous line for the popcorn. Nonetheless, the theater was still packed. And I just remember being in awe of everything I was seeing. It was so larger-than-life, cinematic, engaging, thrilling, and very emotional, especially as a five-year-old. It was amazing. And I just didn’t stop talking about it for a long time afterwards. I remember that. I’m 31 now. I’m still a young man, but that’s 26 years ago and I still remember details. Granted, they’re sporadic details. But the fact that I still remember details of something that happened 26 years ago, that’s very telling of just how massive Star Wars is and how much of a beautiful impact it has on people.”
