A rumor recently surfaced, suggesting Aaron Pierre was among several actors in discussions to play a new version of Black Panther in the MCU. However, a familiar industry insider has now debunked this rumor. They also reportedly offered some clarity about when Pierre’s discussions with Marvel took place.
Aaron Pierre’s Black Panther casting rumor debunked
Renowned internet scooper Daniel Richtman recently suggested that Marvel Studios had discussions with the Lanterns star and similar actors to play a new version of Black Panther in Avengers: Secret Wars.
However, industry insider Jeff Sneider has now debunked Richtman’s scoop. He said that Aaron Pierre’s meeting with Marvel took place a long time ago and that he signed up for DC’s Lanterns following the meeting.
In the MCU, the Black Panther mantle is currently held by T’Challa’s sister Shuri, who will return in Avengers: Doomsday. However, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever also introduced Shuri’s potential successor in the mantle, T’Challa II/Toussaint, the son of T’Challa and Nakia. As of writing, it’s unclear where in the MCU Toussaint will show up next.
Previously, Aaron Pierre was attached to the long-troubled Blade. He was set to appear in an undisclosed supporting role opposite Mahershala Ali’s titular character. However, the Rebel Ridge actor confirmed to Variety that he had exited the film in March 2024. He stated, “Early on, there were conversations. As the project evolved, I’m no longer part of that — attached.”
Moreover, Pierre later touched upon his exit in an interview with Men’s Health. He recalled “feeling elated” after being cast in the film. The Mufasa: The Lion King actor said, “Something I learned during that time was that until you step foot on the set, you haven’t commenced work.” He continued, “It just took a different creative direction, and I was no longer a part of it. You have to accept that.”
Aaron Pierre has since been integrated into the other side of the superhero spectrum. He has been cast as John Stewart/Green Lantern in James Gunn’s DC Universe. Pierre’s Stewart will debut in HBO’s Lanterns, where he will be trained by Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan as the pair investigates a mysterious murder.
Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on SuperHeroHype.
