Nathan Fillion on Playing Green Lantern Guy Gardner: "He's a Jerk... He Thinks He Can Take on Superman”
Nathan Fillion is stepping into the DC Universe as Green Lantern Guy Gardner in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman, and the actor is embracing Gardner’s brash, cocky, and borderline insufferable nature.
While speaking to TV Line, Fillion shed some light on his approach to playing Gardner, making it clear that his take on the character is as obnoxious as fans would expect.
Fillon said: “He's a jerk! What’s important to know is, you don’t have to be good to be a Green Lantern; you just have to be fearless. 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.
“I think if he has a superpower, it might be his overconfidence, in that he thinks he could take on Superman. He can’t!”
This character has long been depicted as an arrogant hothead who often bites off more than he can chew, especially when it comes to challenging other heroes.
Fans got their first proper look at Fillion’s Gardner in the Superman teaser trailer, with a second glimpse appearing in a brief Super Bowl promo. Some viewers ridiculed the character’s over-the-top look, while others recognized that his ridiculousness is entirely the point… he’s supposed to be a complete tool.
Superman promises a fresh take on the Man of Steel, blending action, humor, and heart while exploring the hero’s unwavering faith in humanity.
The official synopsis teases: "In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind."
Superman also stars David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane; Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl; Edi Gathegi as Michael Holt / Mr. Terrific; Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen; María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica, aka The Engineer; Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher; and Terence Rosemore as Otis.
Superman will launch the movie part of DC Studios’ Gods and Monsters: Part 1. It’s scheduled for a theatrical release on July 11, 2025.
With a Superman full of hope and a Green Lantern full of himself, it’s safe to say we’re in for an interesting story with these characters.