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

A new era is dawning for the DC Universe, with James Gunn at the helm of a rebooted cinematic universe that kicks off with a fresh take on Superman. Alongside this iconic hero, fans will be introduced to Nathan Fillion's unique portrayal of Green Lantern, specifically the character Guy Gardner. In a recent interview with TV Guide, Fillion shed light on his interpretation of the character, revealing a version that breaks from the traditional charm associated with superheroes.

"He's a jerk!" Fillion exclaimed, emphasizing that being a Green Lantern doesn't necessitate goodness, but rather 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 personality, describing him as having a hubris issue, perhaps even to the extent of believing he could challenge Superman. "I think if he has a superpower, it might be his overconfidence, in that he thinks he could take on Superman," Fillion stated. "He can't!"

This new Superman film is not only the inaugural entry in the rebooted DC Cinematic Universe but also marks the beginning of a new chapter titled "Gods and Monsters." Meanwhile, HBO is also expanding the Green Lantern universe with a series called "Lanterns," featuring Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, set to premiere in 2026.

The cast of the upcoming Superman film is equally exciting, with David Corenswet stepping into the role of Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Milly Alcock as Supergirl, and Nicholas Hoult portraying the notorious Lex Luthor. The film, both written and directed by James Gunn, is slated for release on July 11, 2025.