HBO's Lanterns has finally arrived, with Aaron Pierre stepping into the iconic role of John Stewart and Kyle Chandler bringing Hal Jordan to life. The series is poised to revitalize the Green Lantern franchise and play a crucial part in James Gunn and Peter Safran's vision for the new DC Studios. But what many fans might not realize is that Pierre's journey through the DC Universe began years earlier, on a lesser-known Syfy series that quietly showcased his talent.
What Was Krypton About?
Set on the titular planet two centuries before the birth of Kal-El—the future Superman—Krypton painted a vivid picture of a society in decline. The House of El had fallen from grace, with Seg-El (Cameron Cuffe) scraping by in the lower-class slums after his grandfather Val-El (Ian McElhinney) was sentenced to the Phantom Zone. Seg's life takes a turn when a mysterious visitor named Adam Strange (Shaun Sipos) arrives with a warning: forces are conspiring to erase Superman's existence, and Seg must fight to ensure his grandson's future.
As Seg digs deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy involving the corrupt ruling council and the malevolent AI Brainiac (Blake Ritson), who seeks to collect Krypton's knowledge and destroy the planet. Meanwhile, Seg is torn between his arranged betrothal to Nyssa-Vex (Wallis Day) and his love for Lyta (Georgina Campbell), a soldier in Krypton's military guild.
Aaron Pierre's Role as Dev-Em
Enter Aaron Pierre as Dev-Em, a soldier who works alongside Lyta to combat the terrorist group Black Zero. Dev-Em's history with Lyta—they were once betrothed—adds a layer of romantic tension to the story, especially as Lyta's feelings for Seg grow. But things get even more complicated when General Zod (Colin Salmon) appears, revealing himself as the son of Seg and Lyta. In Season 2, as Zod seizes control of Krypton, Dev-Em joins a resistance movement led by Lyta's mother, Jayna (Ann Ogbomo).
In DC Comics lore, Dev-Em has a fascinating backstory: he was one of the few Kryptonians who believed Jor-El's warnings about the planet's doom and placed himself in suspended animation. After Krypton's destruction, he ended up on Earth, where he encountered a young Clark Kent and even banished him to the Phantom Zone. Later, he became an ally of the Legion of Superheroes. Other interpretations have painted Dev-Em as a criminal, but Pierre's portrayal brought a nuanced complexity to the character.
Pierre's Dramatic Range Shines in Season 2
It's in Krypton's second season that Pierre truly flexed his dramatic muscles. As Dev-Em navigates the chaos of Zod's rule and Brainiac's insidious influence, he makes morally gray choices—like allowing Brainiac to possess him to save Lyta, or weaponizing Doomsday to protect Krypton. These decisions highlight Dev-Em's willingness to do whatever it takes, even at great personal cost, such as losing an arm in a confrontation with Jayna.
Pierre infused Dev-Em with the same calculating intensity he later brought to Rebel Ridge, turning what could have been a supporting role into a standout performance. Unfortunately, Krypton was canceled in 2019, leaving Dev-Em's Doomsday plot unresolved. Still, the series remains a compelling watch for its fresh take on Superman lore and as a testament to Pierre's early DC credentials.
For fans of Lanterns' record-breaking debut, exploring Krypton offers a deeper appreciation of Pierre's journey. And if you're curious about other underrated gems, check out our list of forgotten thrillers that still deliver. For more on Pierre's rise, see top movie performances since 2010.
