The Lion King premiere and dishes on playing the role of Mufasa and stepping into James Earl Jones’ shoes. Hear why he calls James a “hero” of his since the very beginning.

Mark “Moonlight” and “Mufasa” director Barry Jenkins down as impressed by that energy. After watching Pierre play Cassio in the Globe Theatre’s “Othello,” Jenkins cast him as Caesar in “The Underground Railroad.” The small part grew and grew after Pierre arrived on set in Atlanta.