Nathan Fillion Insisted on Guy Gardner’s Bowl Cut in SUPERMAN: “It’s Canon, It’s Set”
When it came time to bring Guy Gardner to life in James Gunn’s Superman, Nathan Fillion had one non-negotiable: the haircut. Yes, that haircut. The infamous, much-mocked, gloriously iconic ‘80s bowl cut. And according to Fillion, there was never really another option.
Speaking on the DC Studios Showcase Official Podcast, Fillion revealed that while there were discussions behind the scenes about what kind of wig his Green Lantern character would rock, he was firmly planted on one side of the hair debate.
“There was some talk about different hairstyles. There was some talk about some different types of things we were gonna go [with]. I was team bowl cut the whole way. It’s canon, it’s set. I said, ‘If we don’t do a bowl cut, we’re gonna hear about it.’”
Guy Gardner has worn a few different looks over the years, but it’s that awkward, perfectly rounded mop from Justice League International that fans still remember. But even though the bowl cut is from the comics, fans strill complained!
For Fillion, who previously voiced Hal Jordan in several DC animated films, leaning into the absurdity was part of the fun, but also the legacy.
While not all fans are into seeing a live-action superhero rock a bowl cut, Fillion knew how important it was to stay true to the source material, even if it meant putting on a wig.
As the star of The Rookie, Fillion talked about wearing a wig and how wasn’t about to show up on ABC primetime looking like a sentient cereal bowl:
“Now, here’s the thing. I have another job, with a boss who’s kind enough to let me out for other projects. But I think he would draw the line [at] a bowl cut police officer.”
Probably except for me, nobody wants to see his character John Nolan chasing down criminals while looking like he just stepped out of a 1989 high school yearbook.
Fans can expect plenty of bowl cut action in Superman, and it won’t stop there. Fillion’s Guy Gardner is already set to return in Peacemaker Season 2 where he’ll appear alongside Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl and Sean Gunn’s Maxwell Lord. He’ll also play a major role in the upcoming Lanterns series, currently slated for early 2026.
In the meantime, just embrace the bowl!