Lanterns Star Aaron Pierre Played Malcolm X On An Overlooked Disney Plus Series

In the HBO series Lanterns, actor Aaron Pierre portrays John Stewart, a DC Comics superhero known as Green Lantern. However, two years prior, he tackled a different kind of hero: Martin Luther King Jr.'s contemporary Malcolm X in National Geographic's often overlooked biographical drama, Genius. First airing in 2017 and concluding in 2024, the historical anthology series dedicated each season to influential figures, beginning with Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, and Aretha Franklin.

The fourth and final episode, titled Genius: MLK/X, aired on National Geographic and was available for streaming on Disney+. This installment explored the parallel journeys of civil rights icons Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Pierre shared the role of Malcolm X with Kelvin Harrison Jr., who played MLK. Rotten Tomatoes rated Genius: MLK/X 75% with mostly mixed to positive reviews, with major outlets praising Pierre's standout performance.

Variety commended Pierre for capturing Malcolm's speech cadences, posture, and mannerisms, while CNN highlighted his ability to portray Malcolm's quiet intensity. Playing such an influential figure was no small feat for Pierre, who told Gold Derby that he approached the role with "the utmost respect" and dedicated extensive research to serve Malcolm's legacy.

Pierre admitted he felt "terrified" upon receiving the role, fully comprehending the "enormity of the responsibility." To accurately replicate Malcolm X's speech and cadence, Pierre spent hours watching archival footage of the activist speaking and being interviewed. He also underwent a rigorous physical regimen, spending nearly every day on the Stairmaster for six months to match Malcolm X's physique.