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

James Gunn's upcoming reboot of the DC Cinematic Universe introduces a fresh take on Superman, and alongside him, Nathan Fillion steps into the role of Green Lantern, specifically portraying Guy Gardner. In a recent interview with TV Guide, Fillion shed light on his unique interpretation of the character, which diverges significantly from past portrayals. "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 also highlighted Gardner's hubris, suggesting that his character's overconfidence might be considered a superpower. "I think if he has a superpower, it might be his overconfidence, in that he thinks he could take on Superman," Fillion noted. "He can't!"

This new Superman film marks the inaugural chapter of the DCU, titled "Gods and Monsters," set to premiere on July 11, 2025. The 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, with James Gunn at the helm as both writer and director.

Beyond the big screen, the Green Lanterns continue to captivate audiences. HBO is currently producing a series titled "Lanterns," which will explore other members of the superhero alliance. Kyle Chandler will portray Hal Jordan, while Aaron Pierre takes on the role of John Stewart. The series is slated for a 2026 release.