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

James Gunn's new take on Superman is set to introduce fans to a fresh iteration of the iconic hero, and with it comes Nathan Fillion's unique portrayal of Green Lantern, Guy Gardner. In a recent interview with TV Guide, Fillion shared insights into his character, revealing that his version of Guy Gardner will stand out distinctly from previous on-screen depictions. "He's a jerk!" Fillion exclaimed, emphasizing that unlike traditional heroes, Gardner's defining trait isn't goodness but fearlessness. "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," he explained.

Fillion also highlighted Gardner's overconfidence, hinting at a humorous side to the character. "I think if he has a superpower, it might be his overconfidence, in that he thinks he could take on Superman," he said, adding a light-hearted note, "He can't!"

This upcoming Superman film marks the inaugural entry in the rebooted DC Cinematic Universe, kicking off the chapter titled "Gods and Monsters." Alongside this cinematic venture, HBO is also developing a series called "Lanterns," which will explore other members of the Green Lantern Corps. Kyle Chandler will portray Hal Jordan, and Aaron Pierre will play John Stewart in this series, slated to premiere in 2026.

The cast of Superman is led by 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 film is scheduled to hit theaters on July 11, 2025.