The first trailer for Superman: Legacy has given fans a glimpse into the revamped DC Universe, including a brief but striking appearance by Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern. However, his portrayal of the character, particularly his unusual appearance, has sparked curiosity and confusion among casual viewers. While die-hard comic book enthusiasts may recognize the details behind this creative choice, mainstream audiences—familiar only with Ryan Reynolds’ 2011 portrayal of Green Lantern—might find Fillion’s look puzzling. To understand why Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern looks so unique in this upcoming film, we must delve into the character’s comic book origins and broader context within the DC Universe.
The overlooked history of Green Lantern in modern media
Green Lantern is one of DC’s most iconic heroes, yet he has been largely underrepresented in recent superhero adaptations. Despite being a central figure in the comics, the character has faced numerous setbacks in live-action media. For instance, Zack Snyder originally planned to include Green Lantern in Justice League, but the character was replaced by Martian Manhunter due to studio interference and future plans that never materialized.
Fortunately, the tides are turning for Green Lantern fans. The upcoming HBO Max series Lanterns promises to explore the Green Lantern Corps in depth, introducing multiple characters from the comics. Meanwhile, Nathan Fillion’s portrayal of Guy Gardner in Superman: Legacy marks a significant step toward integrating this beloved hero into James Gunn’s new DC Universe.
Who is Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern?
Nathan Fillion will play Guy Gardner, one of several humans who have wielded the Green Lantern power ring. Created in 1968 by John Broome and Gil Kane, Guy Gardner rose to prominence during the 1980s and 1990s as a brash and impulsive member of the Justice League. Known for his fiery personality and iconic bowl-cut hairstyle, Gardner is a fan-favorite among comic readers, though he often takes a backseat to more prominent Green Lanterns like Hal Jordan and John Stewart.
Fillion’s casting as Guy Gardner is no coincidence. He shares a long-standing professional relationship with director James Gunn, having appeared in films like Slither, Super, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. His inclusion in Superman: Legacy signals Gunn’s commitment to creating a fully realized DC Universe where heroes like Guy Gardner already exist alongside Superman and other iconic characters.
Why does Guy Gardner look so strange?
Two key elements of Nathan Fillion’s portrayal stand out: his hairstyle and costume.
- The infamous bowl cut: In the comics, Guy Gardner is instantly recognizable thanks to his bright-orange bowl haircut—a style that many would consider outdated or even unattractive. Gunn made it clear during production that preserving this quirky feature was essential to staying true to the character’s roots. While it may appear odd or humorous on screen, this bold choice underscores Gardner’s distinctiveness within the Green Lantern Corps.
- The unconventional costume: Unlike traditional Green Lantern uniforms, Fillion’s character wears a white suit rather than the familiar green attire associated with the Corps. This departure from tradition has led to speculation that Gardner—and possibly other heroes like Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl—are part of a corporate-sponsored superhero organization within the film’s universe. Although details remain scarce, this creative decision hints at an intriguing narrative layer that differentiates Gunn’s DCU from previous iterations.
A bold vision for the new DC Universe
Nathan Fillion’s portrayal of Guy Gardner may look unusual at first glance, but it aligns closely with James Gunn’s vision for a fresh and dynamic DC Universe. By embracing characters’ eccentricities—whether through unconventional costumes or quirky hairstyles—Gunn aims to establish a world that feels both expansive and cohesive. As Superman: Legacy introduces audiences to new heroes and reimagines familiar ones, Fillion’s Green Lantern serves as a reminder that authenticity and creativity can coexist in superhero storytelling.
With HBO’s Lanterns on the horizon and more DCU projects in development, fans can look forward to seeing how characters like Guy Gardner contribute to this ambitious cinematic universe.
