Nathan Fillion has been cast as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, a move that James Gunn has now confirmed was a recast.
The news about Nathan Fillion being cast as Guy Gardner in the upcoming Superman: Legacy movie is creating waves in the comic fandom. As the DC Universe undergoes a live-action rebirth under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran, the announcement of Fillion’s involvement adds an intriguing layer to the newly reformed world.
With the news of Fillion’s casting breaking, Gunn has taken to Threads to state that “The Green Lanterns show is not separate; Nate will play Guy in all parts of the DCU.” This confirms that Finn Wittrock, who was supposed to star as Guy Gardner in MAX’s Green Lantern show, has been replaced by Fillion.
Finn Wittrock had been cast as Guy Gardner in the Green Lantern series for Max back in April 2021, and it was only a year and a half later when it was announced that both Jeremy Irvine (who was supposed to play Alan Scott) and Finn Wittrock were no longer a part of the project.
Fillion is no stranger to the sci-fi genre, having gained a loyal fan base from his time on cult favorite shows like Firefly and his involvement with Gunn’s previous movies. In fact, Fillion is a beloved mainstay in Gunn’s cinematic universe, known for his performance in movies like Slither and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Who is Nathan Fillion playing in Superman: Legacy?
In Superman: Legacy, Nathan Fillion will be portraying Guy Gardner, a Green Lantern, but not necessarily the Green Lantern most are familiar with. Guy Gardner stands out amongst the myriad of heroes who have donned the iconic ring, due to his abrasive personality and not-quite-heroic tendencies. In the pantheon of Green Lanterns, which includes the noble Hal Jordan and the groundbreaking John Stewart, Guy Gardner is known as a somewhat brash and obnoxious presence.
This departure from the traditionally heroic Green Lantern characters seems to be a bold and potentially refreshing move by the filmmakers, and one that Fillion is likely to handle with success. Known for his innate ability to balance humor and gravitas, Fillion seems almost tailor-made for Gardner’s awkwardly comedic presence. It is easy to imagine him bringing a level of charm and likeability to a character who can otherwise be seen as grating.
Fillion’s previous role in the DC Universe as T.D.K in Gunn’s The Suicide Squad was brief yet memorable. His character, who could separate his limbs from his body and launch them at enemies, offered a glimpse of the unique blend of comedic and action-packed performances that Fillion is capable of delivering. This time around, it is hoped that Fillion’s Green Lantern will have a more substantial and enduring presence.
What’s also worth noting is Fillion’s geek culture cred. He is a bonafide sci-fi icon, with a passionate fan base from his time as Captain Malcolm Reynolds in Firefly and Richard Castle in Castle. Fillion’s charm, wit, and unique style have a way of winning over audiences, and it’s easy to see these traits translating well into the character of Guy Gardner.
With this casting decision, Legacy is set to inject some fresh humor and personality into the rebooted DC Universe. While the DC Universe is no stranger to dark and complex characters, Fillion’s Guy Gardner promises to be a distinct and exciting new addition, adding a dose of humor and a certain rebellious spirit that will likely make Superman Legacy a standout in the new DCU era.
Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner is a surprising yet exciting casting choice, and fans of both the actor and the DC Universe are eagerly waiting to see how this unique interpretation of the Green Lantern comes to life in Superman: Legacy.
If Fillion’s previous performances are anything to go by, this could well be another standout role in his already impressive career, as well as a memorable chapter in the rich tapestry of the DC Universe.