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 it's not just Clark Kent who's getting a new spin. Nathan Fillion is set to portray Green Lantern's Guy Gardner, and he's shared some intriguing details about this unique interpretation of the character. In a recent interview with TV Guide, Fillion described Gardner as far from the typical charming superhero, stating bluntly, "He's a jerk!" He elaborated on the character's essence, noting, "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."

Fillion also touched on Gardner's hubris, suggesting that his superpower might just be his overconfidence. "I think if he has a superpower, it might be his overconfidence, in that he thinks he could take on Superman," Fillion remarked. "He can't!" This portrayal adds a layer of complexity and humor to the character, making him stand out in the superhero landscape.

The new Superman film marks the beginning of a rebooted DC Cinematic Universe under the chapter titled "Gods and Monsters." Alongside Superman, the film features 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 film is scheduled to hit theaters on July 11, 2025.

Interest in the Green Lanterns extends beyond Gunn's film. HBO is currently in production on a series called "Lanterns," which will explore other members of the superhero alliance. Kyle Chandler will portray Hal Jordan, and Aaron Pierre will take on the role of John Stewart. The series is slated to premiere in 2026, promising an expansive look at the Green Lantern universe.