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

If the video of Aaron Pierre grooving down the Spirit Tunnel at The Jennifer Hudson Show has 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's Genius: MLK/X.

His performance garnered widespread acclaim but even then, the actor — who had previously starred in other notable works such as Underground and Brother — 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.

Related: Aaron Pierre's Jennifer Hudson Show Spirit Tunnel Shuffle Goes Viral: 'He Understood the Assignment'

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

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 came Mufasa: The Lion King in 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.

I was intrigued by this man who's so handsome, it almost hurt to keep watching. And while I didn't get to look into those piercing green eyes in person at the premiere, I remember telling a colleague of mine that I couldn’t quite comprehend the reason behind his allure. “It’s intense beauty,” they explained. And that was the most apt description of his looks. It's like his face card is meant to stun and captivate you and I am fully under the spell.

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 specifically for Aaron Pierre.

The man is literally striking: 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.

Related: Kelvin Harrison Jr. Pokes Fun at Internet Thirst for Mufasa Costar Aaron Pierre: ‘Giving the People What They Want’

Even more attractive, I think, is the fact that he seems determined to bring good vibes and positive energy to each place he goes. He showcased his best roar at the Mufasa premiere in a video posted by Disney studios; he was captured fully embracing his Caribbean roots at the film's premiere afterparty in London; and one of the best parts about that Spirit Tunnel video is the fact that he took the time to high-five several members of the Jennifer Hudson crew and blew a sweet kiss once he got to the end.

When he gets with his (sing this part with me) “brotheerrr,” Kelvin Harrison Jr. the two can’t stop cracking jokes and 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 the internet’s favorite boyfriends.

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I can't say I have a crush on Aaron Pierre. But I also can't say I don’t have 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.

Have I recreated the dance in my own kitchen? Yes. Have I watched Mufasa more 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 first GQ cover and 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.

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