Nathan Fillion's Green Lantern: A 'Jerk' in Gunn's Superman Film

James Gunn's upcoming Superman film introduces a fresh take on the iconic superhero, featuring Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern's Guy Gardner. In a candid interview with TV Guide, Fillion shared insights into his unique portrayal of the character, emphasizing that his version of Guy Gardner will stand out from previous iterations seen in films and television shows. "He's a jerk!" Fillion exclaimed, highlighting that being a Green Lantern doesn't require goodness, just fearlessness. "So Guy Gardner is fearless, and he is not very good. He's not nice, which is very freeing as an actor because you just think to yourself, what is the most selfish, self-serving thing I can do in this moment? And that's the answer. That's what you do in that moment."

Fillion further elaborated on Gardner's character, pointing out his overconfidence and hubris. "I think if he has a superpower, it might be his overconfidence, in that he thinks he could take on Superman," Fillion noted. "He can't!" This bold yet flawed persona promises to bring a new dynamic to the DC Universe.

Superman marks the inaugural film in the rebooted DC Cinematic Universe, setting the stage for the new chapter titled "Gods and Monsters." The film boasts an impressive cast, with David Corenswet portraying Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Milly Alcock as Supergirl, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. James Gunn, who both wrote and directed the film, aims to redefine these beloved characters for a new generation. The movie is slated for release on July 11, 2025.

Beyond the film, HBO is expanding the Green Lantern universe with a series titled Lanterns, set to premiere in 2026. This series will explore other members of the superhero alliance, featuring Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, adding depth to the DCU's narrative landscape.