Aaron Pierre Isn’t Even My Type, But You Guys, I Can’t Stop Obsessing Over Him

Mar. 15, 2025

Aaron Pierre.Photo:Mike Marsland/WireImage

Mike Marsland/WireImage

If the video ofAaron Pierregrooving down the Spirit Tunnel atThe Jennifer Hudson Showhas 2.4 million views, I’m responsible for at least 500,000 of them. I have not been able to peel my eyes away from Aaron Pierre-centric content that has swarmed my algorithms since that video went viral over the Christmas holidays.

This time last year, the now-established Brit was only beginning to break ground with American audiences, playing Malcolm X in National Geographic’sGenius: MLK/X.

His performance garnered widespread acclaim but even then, the actor — who had previously starred in other notable works such asThe Underground RailroadandBrother— had barely showed his full powers. I thought, sure, he is talented, but outside of the occasional clip here and there, I really didn’t pay a lot of attention.

That began to change in August, when he starred in Netflix’sRebel Ridge,where he played Terry Richmond, a former Marine trying to find justice in a small town in Louisiana.

Aaron Pierre as Terry Richmond in Rebel Ridge.Allyson Riggs/Netflix

Allyson Riggs/Netflix

His performance was subtle, yet riveting, and generated a lot of buzz. At that point, I would’ve been happy to have him seek justice on my behalf, but I still wasn’t putting his poster on my wall.

Then cameMufasa: The Lion Kingin December. I covered the film’s Los Angeles premiere for PEOPLE and to prep, I spent a lot of time watching and reading his interviews.

Aaron Pierre attends the ‘Pride Rock’ photocall for “Mufasa: The Lion King”.Mike Marsland/WireImage

While I gravitate towards the Damson Idrises and Idris Elbas of the world — you know, leading men who are handsome but still feel like fellow earthlings — I think my palate is evolving specificallyforAaron Pierre.

The man isliterallystriking: He is tall — Google says he’s 6'3" — well-dressed and then of course, there are those aforementioned piercing green eyes. Add in his perfect smile, polished accent and sweet disposition and it’s impossible not to swoon.

When he gets with his (sing this part with me) “brotheerrr,”Kelvin Harrison Jr.the two can’t stopcracking jokesand making light of all the internet hype surrounding him. He comes off as a well-mannered gent who is serious about his work, but not that serious about himself — and who can resist that? It’s no wonder he’s one of theinternet’s favorite boyfriends.

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I can’t say I have a crush on Aaron Pierre. But I also can’t say Idon’thave a crush on Aaron Pierre. I’ve enjoyed every single version of his Spirit Tunnel stroll on TikTok — from the parodies to the analyses to the girls who edited themselves in so it looks like they’re dancing with him. And it’s not just because there’s bliss in watching a gorgeous man dance, but because it also seems like he’s genuinely having a good time.

Aaron Pierre of “Mufasa: The Lion King” poses in the IMDb Official Portrait Studio at D23 2024.Corey Nickols/Getty

Corey Nickols/Getty

Have I recreated the dance in my own kitchen? Yes. Have I watchedMufasamore than once? Yes. And do I now say “brotheerrr” at every opportunity I get? Very much yes.

It’s clear we’re at the genesis of Pierre’s leading man reign. So far, the 30-year-old has been tapped to play the first Black Green Lantern, he snagged his firstGQcoverand the internet is already vying for him to be PEOPLE’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive.

No matter what happens, me and the millions of people who viewed that Spirit Tunnel video will be readily following.

source: people.com