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, and alongside it comes Nathan Fillion's portrayal of Green Lantern, specifically Guy Gardner. In a recent interview with TV Guide, Fillion shared insights into his unique interpretation of the character, revealing that this version of Guy Gardner will not be the charming hero fans might expect.

"He's a jerk!" Fillion exclaimed, emphasizing 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 highlighted Gardner's overconfidence, suggesting that his character might even believe he could take on Superman, despite the obvious mismatch. "I think if he has a superpower, it might be his overconfidence, in that he thinks he could take on Superman," Fillion said. "He can't!"

This new Superman film marks the first entry in a rebooted DC Cinematic Universe, kicking off the inaugural chapter titled "Gods and Monsters." The excitement around the Green Lanterns extends beyond the film, as HBO is currently developing a series called "Lanterns," set to explore other members of the superhero alliance. Kyle Chandler will play Hal Jordan, and Aaron Pierre will portray John Stewart, with the series slated for a 2026 premiere.

The Superman film boasts a stellar cast, including David Corenswet as Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Milly Alcock as Supergirl, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Written and directed by James Gunn, the movie is scheduled to hit theaters on July 11, 2025.