A fresh face in the industry, Aaron Pierre first emerged on stage at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Right after graduating, he began to captivate audiences with his charm and nuance by starring in TV shows in minor capacities. But his breakthrough happened with The Underground Railroad, a historical drama series created by Barry Jenkins for Prime Video.
Critics hailed Pierre’s performance and arresting screen presence. His journey went uphill after that, and he followed up with memorable turns in acclaimed movies and TV shows. All of this set the stage for what could be Aaron’s best role till date – the new Netflix thriller, Rebel Ridge. The movie stars him as Terry Richmond, a former Marine who gets embroiled with the law after a bag of cash he needs to bail his brother out is confiscated by law enforcement. Pierre’s character is central to the narrative and is responsible for uncovering the conspiracy that puts him at odds with some very powerful enemies.
With Rebel Ridge set to catapult Aaron Pierre to global fame, it is clear that this is just the start of an exciting career for one of the industry’s finest new actors. In the meantime, fans can take a look at his talent as showcased in performances that came before Rebel Ridge.
9 The A Word (2017)
The A Word is a gentle and heartfelt BBC drama written and developed by Peter Bowker. It is set in the picturesque Lake District and revolves around the Hughes family. The central character is five-year-old Joe, who has exhibited difficulties with communicating ever since he was younger. Joe’s parents remain oblivious but his grandfather is keen on understanding what’s wrong. When Joe is diagnosed with autism, the family begins living a new reality.
A Touching Family Drama
Bowker’s work received widespread acclaim for portraying autism and its effects on family with earnest care and subtle humor. The complex dynamics shared by the family members remain at the forefront, with the series also focusing on Joe’s half-siblings and extended family. Which is also where Aaron Pierre’s character comes in. He plays James Thorne, the boyfriend of Rebecca, who is Joe’s half-sister and is portrayed by Molly Wright. Pierre is only present in two episodes, which isn’t enough to leave a lasting impact. But The A Word is an overall strongly-written show.
8 Britannia (2018)
Canceled after three seasons due to the network’s disappointment in the script, Britannia is a historical drama that transports you to 43 AD and chronicles the Roman invasion of Britain. General Aulus Plautius and his second-in-command want to understand where Julius Caesar failed 90 years ago and fix the mistake during their clash with the Celtic tribes and their Gods. The series is filled with elements of both fantasy and mythology.
A Campy Take on History and Fantasy
Directed by Jez Butterworth and Tom Butterworth, Britannia is known for its ambitious scope and rich storytelling. Pierre appears in three episodes as Antonius, a Roman soldier under the command of General Aulus Plautius. His character is part of the invading force; he is seen navigating the treacherous landscape and the native tribes’ resistance. He has to face punishment for desertion, which he accepts but he’s eventually captured by the Druids.
7 Prime Suspect 1973 (2017)
A prequel to Lynda La Plante’s iconic long-running series, Prime Suspect 1973 takes a deep dive into the early career of the trailblazing female detective Jane Tennison, played by Stefanie Martini. It is set in 1970s London and it follows Tennison tackling her first major case, which involves the murder of a young sex worker. At the same time, Tennison must navigate the male-dominated workplace and prove herself worthy of respect.
Recreates a Popular Original Series
Just like the original show, this limited series captures the grittiness of the era it is set in and tells a story that’s as realistic as it is arresting. Aaron Pierre is present in two episodes. He plays Terrence O’Duncie, a key figure in the investigation. His character turns out to be embroiled in the web of crime and corruption that Tennison is trying to untangle. Despite only appearing on the screen for a brief amount of time, Pierre adds significant intrigue to the overall mystery.
6 Old (2021)
Adapted from a French-language graphic novel titled Sandcastle, Old is director M. Night Shyamalan’s return to the horror/thriller genre. It begins with a seemingly idyllic family vacation, then spirals into an unsettling mystery. We follow Guy and Prisca Cappa, who are on the brink of separation, and their children, Maddox and Trent. But as time passes, both the Cappa family and the other vacationers realize that an hour on the beach is equal to a year in their lives and that they’re aging rapidly.
A Chilling Thriller About the Concept of Time
Old features an ensemble cast that includes Gael García Bernal, Vicky Krieps, Thomasin McKenzie, Rufus Sewell, Alex Wolff, Abbey Lee, and more. Pierre plays Brendan, also known as “Mid-Sized Sedan,” a rapper who is among the first characters to notice that the beach has horrifying effects on its guests. His portrayal of a man grappling with the death of his companion is intense and vulnerable. Shyamalan’s direction is unique as always, but the movie was received poorly by critics, who called the plot “weak” and “unintriguing.”
5 Krypton (2018 – 2019)
Expanding on our favorite superhero’s lore by taking viewers back in time to where it all began, Krypton is a science fiction series set approximately 200 years prior to the birth of Superman and the destruction of his home planet. We follow Seg-El, Superman’s grandfather, whose family has been dishonored. He fights to redeem their respect and protect Krypton from falling into chaos. The series is developed by David S. Goyer and led by Cameron Cuffe.
A Skippable Entry for Fans of DC Universe
Even though Krypton promised a grand premise and a compelling origin story, it fell short of delivering on audiences’ expectations. The series, many believe, did not focus on Superman himself, which led to declining interest and eventual cancelation. Regardless, the stars gave their best efforts. Pierre, who had established himself as a respectable name by then, brought life to Dev-Em, a former commander in the Kryptonian military and a loyal ally to Seg-El. He was present both as a support and part of internal conflict in the series.
4 Foe (2023)
A taut psychological thriller set in a dystopian future, Foe tells the story of Hen and Junior, a couple living peacefully on a remote piece of land. Their lives are disrupted when a stranger named Terrance, played by Aaron Pierre, arrives on their property with an unusual proposal: Junior is among the few people selected to travel to a space station, and while he’s away, a biomechanical duplicate will take his place and continue to live with Hen. Tensions escalate as themes of love, identity, and implications of AI are explored.
An Intellectually Stimulating Sci-Fi Drama
Directed by Garth Davis, who co-wrote the script with Iain Reid, Foe is a visually stunning masterpiece. Its premise may seem strange, but it runs parallel with the world we’re currently living in. Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal are enigmatic as usual in their roles of Hen and Junior, but it is Pierre who amazes us with his portrayal of Terrance. At first, viewers believe the title, “foe,” refers to Terrance, and while that’s not the case, Pierre does an outstanding job at concealing the true nature of his visit by giving a layered and intriguing performance.
3 Genius: MLK/X (2024)
The fourth installment of a biographical anthology drama series, Genius: MLK/X premiered on National Geographic and Disney+ back in February, 2024. Spanning eight episodes, it explores the lives and legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Beginning from their formative years, the series captures their struggles, triumphs, and pivotal moments as they pursued parallel paths of non-violent protests and racial justice.
Gives a Fresh Spin to the Spirit of Revolution
Much like the first three installments, Genius: MLK/X offers a nuanced look at the subject, which, in this case, are two historical icons. Aaron Pierre stars as Malcolm X, one of the two most influential figures in American History. His performance as a civil rights leader is both powerful and charismatic. The series itself has received praise for its exceptional attention to detail and strong focus on history. Pierre’s portrayal, however recent, is a highlight in his career.
2 Brother (2022)
Directed by Clement Virgo, Brother is a poignant coming-of-age drama set against the backdrop of Toronto’s early hip-hop scene. It follows the lives of two brothers, Francis and Michael, songs of Caribbean immigrants, as they grow up in a neighborhood filled with violence and escalating tension and grapple with their own identity. Aaron Pierre plays Francis, the older brother who protects and cares for Lamar Johnson’s Michael.
A Heartwarming Story of Brotherhood
The movie is a searing adaptation of David Chariandy’s award-winning novel and Virgo’s direction captures the power and essence of the story. Pierre’s performance as Francis is compelling. It’s also an important addition to his filmography as it showcases his ability to inject the character with emotional depth and offer viewers a moving experience. Even though it flew under the radar amidst the many hits of the year, Brother was well-received by critics for its authentic depiction of immigrant life.
1 The Underground Railroad (2021)
Inspired by Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, The Underground Railroad is a harrowing series that follows Cora, an enslaved woman who escapes from a Georgia plantation and comes across an actual underground railroad after joining Caesar on a journey that is fraught with danger and discovery. Meanwhile, Arnold Ridgeway, a slave catcher, is hot on Cora’s pursuit.
An Essential Entry in Pierre’s Roles
With projects like Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk under his name, it came as no surprise that Barry Jenkins’ The Underground Railroad was a masterpiece. It was celebrated for its emotional depth and powerful storytelling. Led by Thuso Mbedum, the series’ core theme was about courage, companionship, and freedom. Pierre portrayed Ceaser, a fellow slave who convinces Cora to flee with him. He was a pivotal character in Cora’s escape. He also added a much-needed profundity and hope to the narrative.