“Can you sing?” That simple text message from director Barry Jenkins nearly threw Aaron Pierre off. The British actor, poised to voice young Mufasa in Mufasa: The Lion King, suddenly felt the weight of the role. Singing in the shower was one thing; taking on the voice made iconic by James Earl Jones was another.
“I was really unsure if I could do this,” Pierre admits. But true to his nature, he leaned into the fear, taking on an intense vocal boot camp under Lin-Manuel Miranda’s team. The result? By the time he stepped into Abbey Road Studios, he had expanded his vocal range and grown into the role—both literally and figuratively. “Those nerves really served me,” he says.
This philosophy—facing challenges head-on—has defined Pierre’s meteoric rise. Over the past year, he’s portrayed Malcolm X in Genius: MLK/X, brought action hero grit to Netflix’s Rebel Ridge, and landed the role of John Stewart in DC’s Lanterns. His imposing physical presence, hypnotic voice, and quiet intensity have captivated audiences and directors alike.
Despite the whirlwind of premieres and press tours, Pierre remains grounded. Speaking from his London home, he reflects on the importance of rest—a skill he’s still mastering. “I’m learning to prioritize rest in a new way,” he confesses.
Acting wasn’t always his calling. As a teenager, Pierre dreamed of sprinting glory until a school play changed everything. But even after discovering his passion, he struggled to embrace his deep voice and towering frame. With the help of a voice coach, he learned to stand tall—less apologetic, more assured.
That self-assurance is evident in Rebel Ridge, where he plays an ex-Marine taking on a corrupt Louisiana police force. Director Jeremy Saulnier calls his presence “authentic and commanding.” And authenticity is what Pierre strives for in every role. “I’ve always been very deliberate with my words,” he notes, his voice echoing the poise of Earl Jones himself.
Now, as he prepares to suit up for Lanterns, Pierre is excited to explore John Stewart’s strength and charisma. “I’m eager to discover my version of him,” he says. With a career that spans Shakespearean theatre to blockbuster franchises, Pierre proves one thing: leaning into fear can lead to greatness.
And he’s just getting started. “What’s meant for me won’t miss me,” Pierre says confidently. “It just makes me push harder.”
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Team
Photography by Quil Lemons
Styled by Marcus Allen
Grooming by Pascale Poma
Tailoring by Carlos Sanchez at Lars Nord Studio
Set design by Daniel Horowitz
English