The first weekend of the new year is in the books and sitting atop the Box Office is a king—a Lion King. The film Mufasa, which is a prequel telling the origin story of the great lion Mufasa, jumped to the top of the Box Office to begin 2025.
In the title role is Aaron Pierre, a veteran actor who is poised to have a big year. Later this year he’ll join two high-profile series, with a role on the Apple TV+ series The Morning Show and a lead in the D.C. series Lanterns. But for those not familiar, below are four previous roles to help you get to know Pierre!
The Underground Railroad (2021)
About: This series debuted on Prime Video, coming from Barry Jenkins, who directed Mufasa. Here, Pierre played Caesar, a key role in the 10-episode series that was a favorite among critics and fans the year it was released. It’s streaming on Prime Video.
Foe (2023)
About: This film from Garth Davis made its debut at the end of 2023 to try and make an awards-season run. It mostly focuses on a couple played by Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal. But the third actor in the film is Pierre, who plays Terrance and is a catalyst for a lot of the big action in the film. It’s a strong performance and an interesting role. This film is on Prime Video.
Genius: MLK/X (2024)
About: The Genius anthology series from National Geographic Channel tells the stories of icons in history. The fourth season focused on Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X, with the latter played by Pierre. For those who enjoy history, it’s a great dive into the people and the history of their lives and achievements. The series is streaming on Disney+.
Rebel Ridge (2024)
About: This streaming film debuted on Netflix in 2024 and was an instant hit with viewers. Pierre plays the lead, a former Marine who is seeking justice in a small town for his cousin. He runs up against a corrupt police chief, played by Don Johnson, and soon finds himself battling the authorities to save his cousin’s life. Pierre is excellent in the film, which was a hidden gem of 2024.