Before Lanterns, Netflix’s Best Action Thriller Proved Aaron Pierre’s The Perfect John Stewart
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After just one episode of Lanterns, it is hard not to see how Aaron Pierre is the perfect casting choice for John Stewart. However, long before he led the superhero TV show, he starred in a highly acclaimed Netflix action thriller that proved he was born to play Stewart. The movie in question boasts a Rotten Tomatoes score of 95% and ranks among the streamer's greatest action thriller offerings.
Directed by Jeremy Saulnier, Netflix's Rebel Ridge begins as a familiar Rambo-esque action thriller where a former Marine is treated unjustly by the local law enforcement of a town. The Marine, Terry Richmon (played by Aaron Pierre), initially resists the urge to fight back and takes the legal route to find justice.
However, when nothing works, he puts his tactical prowess on full display to take down the cops who abused their power. Compared to a more mainstream show like Lanterns, Rebel Ridge is a relatively lesser-known movie. Still, it perfectly gives a glimpse of how Aaron Pierre was destined to play John Stewart in DCU's Lanterns.
Aaron Pierre Proved He Was Perfect For Lanterns In Netflix’s Rebel Ridge
Despite being portrayed as an overpowered character, Aaron Pierre's Terry Richmond in Rebel Ridge exhibits immense restraint. Like John Stewart, he is trained to be highly disciplined and follow precise rules of engagement with threats instead of reacting emotionally. Pierre does an incredible job of portraying his character's calm intensity in both the movie and the show.
Even before the movie's action unfolds, it seems evident that his character has what it takes to take down multiple men with ease. However, he avoids mindless confrontation because he understands the nature of consequences.
Pierre channels a similar energy in Lanterns as well. He has a towering physical presence and does not need to chew the scenery to hold the screen. In the show's episode 1, he also barely displays any big feats with the ring. Yet, it is hard not to anticipate how incredible his ring projections will become once he gains more confidence and gets the opportunity to fully embrace the power of his ring.
Like Lanterns, Netflix’s Rebel Ridge Is A Solid Neo-Western
Rebel Ridge initially seems reminiscent of movies and shows like Reacher and First Blood. When Pierre's character enters a small town and has a run-in with the local cops, one expects him to react like a typical Reacher-esque "mysterious stranger" and fight back. However, instead of diving into the action right away, Jeremy Saulnier carefully builds tension.
While at it, the movie gradually reveals Terry Richmond's solid military background, establishing how the local cops could find themselves in serious trouble if he starts playing offensive. Even when the movie finally unfolds its action, it cleverly shows how Richmond has no intentions of hurting anyone. He remains disciplined as he only uses non-lethal means to "de-escalate" the situation.
The Netflix action movie borrows many Western tropes to perfectly sell it as a modern take on the genre. At the same time, though, its emphasis on non-lethal combat throughout its runtime gives it a very distinct identity as an action thriller. Compared to many over-the-top additions to the genre, Rebel Ridge also feels incredibly grounded and deliberate with its action and drama.
After Lanterns & Rebel Ridge, Pierre Seems Ready For An Iconic Western Remake
An official remake of A Fistful of Dollars has been in the works for quite some time. Although the project is still in early stages of development, it is hard not to see how Aaron Pierre could be the perfect casting choice for "Man with no Name." He already seems to have mastered the core mechanics of playing a "mysterious stranger" who says little but commands every scene he is in.
With Lanterns and Rebel Ridge, Aaron Pierre is already starting to establish himself as an incredible leading man, especially when it comes to playing stoic and action-driven characters. Even in terms of physicality, he stands at around 6 feet 3 inches, making him nearly as tall as Clint Eastwood's Man With No Name.
It will be a while before A Fistful of Dollars' remake sees the light of day and, before it happens, viewers will likely get to see more of Aaron Pierre as John Stewart in movies like Man of Tomorrow and Lanterns' future potential seasons. However, it is one movie that could help Pierre leverage his strengths and establish himself as a major action star on the big screen.
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Lanterns
- Release Date
- August 16, 2026
- Network
- HBO
A modern Green Lantern update, Lanterns sees intergalactic law enforcers John Stewart and Hal Jordan unite, defending Earth while they investigate a murder mystery set in the American heartland.
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Former Marine Terry Richmond travels to Shelby Springs to post bail for his cousin, only to find his savings unjustly seized by a corrupt local police force. With the help of court clerk Summer McBride, Terry uncovers a deep-seated conspiracy and vows to bring justice to the town.
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