James Gunn's DCU will debut its first Green Lantern, Guy Gardner, in Superman.
Gardner will be played by The Rookie star Nathan Fillion and comes ahead of HBO original series Lanterns, which will star Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart.
Superman's Green Lantern Guy Gardner Superhero Explained
The teaser trailer for Superman offered the first look at several superheroes who already exist in the new DCU when the story begins, among which is a Green Lantern who boasts a truly horrendous haircut - Guy Gardner.
The role is played by Nathan Fillion, who previously worked with director James Gunn on The Suicide Squad, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and more.
Gardner can be seen in the Superman trailer alongside Hawkgirl at Stagg Enterprises and the two appear ready to face off with the Man of Steel as he fires a beam of emerald energy towards him.
Born in Maryland, U.S.A., the Green Lantern hero debuted in 1968, and, just like all of his fellow space cops, wields an emerald ring that is powered by willpower.
Speaking with Collider, Fillion teased how his Green Lantern is "90% flawed and doesn't care," sharing his love for playing characters like that:
"Guy Gardner is 90% flawed and doesn’t care. That’s one of his flaws. I think there’s a real freedom in playing that. So, for a guy who likes to play flaws and flawed people, Guy Gardner is a gold mine."
Fillion previously played T.D.K. in The Suicide Squad, which is mostly believed to be canon to the new DCU, but fans shouldn't expect to see him again, as he was among the heroes to meet a gruesome demise in the R-rated flick.
DC Studios is gearing up to start filming the eight-episode Lanterns series for HBO in early 2025 and, according to a report from Variety, Fillion is expected to reprise his role as Gardner, tagging along with his two Green Lantern fellows.
How Guy Gardner Fits Into Superman's Story
Superman is expected to feature David Corenswet's Man of Steel in a world populated by other heroes, some of whom have lost their way. And based on Nathan Fillion's description of Guy Gardner as being "90% flawed and doesn't care," the Green Lantern hero is likely among that group.
After the first look at Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrfic surfaced from the Superman set, fans noticed the LordTech logo is present on all of their suits.
For those unaware, LordTech is an in-universe company owned by dodgy businessman and supervillain Maxwell Lord, who has already been cast in the DCU and will be played by Guardians of the Galaxy actor Sean Gunn.
As this team will seemingly be working under or somewhat funded by LordTech, perhaps indicating these once-great heroes have become driven by money and fame, and Superman will be the one to guide them back to the light.
Superman hits theaters on July 11, 2025.
