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James gunn's superman sequel adds john stewart, expanding dc universe

Published on 13/03/2026 08:24 in movies • Tim Aviss

James Gunn’s upcoming Superman sequel is poised to be even more ambitious than initially anticipated, with the confirmation that Aaron Pierre will reprise his role as John Stewart in the 2027 film, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This development signals a significant expansion of the DC universe within Gunn’s evolving vision.

John stewart joins the superman ensemble

Pierre’s portrayal of Stewart debuted in the HBO Max series Lanterns, slated for an August 2026 premiere. The series depicts a rookie John Stewart under the tutelage of Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler. It’s reasonable to assume that Stewart will have progressed to a fully realized Green Lantern by the time of the Man of Tomorrow’s release.

John Stewart, created by Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams, first appeared in Green Lantern #87 in December 1971. He gained wider recognition during the early 2000s in the Justice League animated series, where he was voiced by Phil LaMarr. This marks the second instance of a Green Lantern character appearing in a Superman film under Gunn’s direction, following Nathan Fillion’s portrayal of Guy Gardner in Superman: Man of Tomorrow.

Man of Tomorrow will reunite key cast members from the first Superman film, including David Corenswet as Kal-El, Nicolas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen. The narrative centers on an uneasy alliance between Superman and Luthor as they confront the intergalactic threat of Brainiac, played by Lars Eidinger. Production is set to commence later this year, with a release date of July 9, 2027.

The inclusion of John Stewart isn’t merely an addition; it's a strategic move by James Gunn to broaden the scope of the Superman narrative, tapping into a beloved character with a rich history and significant fan base. This isn't just about adding a character; it's about enriching the tapestry of the DC universe he is so meticulously constructing.

Jesse is a staff writer for IGN. Follow him on BlueSky @jschedeen.