With Superman debuting in July, audiences are about to meet the first of several DC Universe Green Lanterns. Played by Nathan Fillion, this Green Lantern is Guy Gardner, arguably the cockiest, most brash of the bunch. Guy is poised to be at odds with Superman/Clark Kent (David Corenswet) regarding heroics, and he will also come face to face with the тιтle character in Peacemaker season two. In addition to Guy, the DCU is also introducing Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan in HBO’s Lanterns.
In an appearance on the DC Studios Showcase podcast, Gunn dished on his plans for the DCU and specifically the Green Lantern Corps. Coy Jandreau, the show’s comic correspondent, took this opportunity to ask about one member who hasn’t been announced or cast yet: Kyle Rayner. Gunn addressed the request cautiously, quipping: “I’ve been online enough to know that everybody has their own Green Lantern they like.” Afterwards, the director shared a humorous exchange with co-host Frankey Smith:
James Gunn: “I’m a Guy guy, right?”
Frankey Smith: “Well, you gave him that bob. What did you give him?”
James Gunn: “You think his haircut in the comics is hideous?!”
Frankey Smith: “I know, but you didn’t have to adapt that to the film.”
James Gunn: “Oh, yes, I did. I did. […] Remember, Nathan Fillion is one of my best friends. You think I’m not going to give him the ugliest haircut known to man?”
What James Gunn Comments About Guy Gardner & Green Lantern Mean
Though Gunn quipped about purposefully making his friend wear a horrible wig, Fillion’s previous statements make it clear he was absolutely in favor of donning Guy’s comic-accurate ‘do. In a different episode of the DC Studios Podcast, he addressed the horrible haircut: “There was some talk about some different types of things we were going to go… I was team bowl cut the whole way. It’s canon. It’s set. I said, ‘If we don’t do a bowl cut, we’re going to hear about it.“
Regardless of which story is more accurate, their dedication to bringing Guy Gardner from page to screen is evident. Gunn has been clear about his intention to replicate the feel of DC Comics, and a big part of that is the aesthetic. Factoring in that his favorite Green Lantern is Guy, it’s no surprise he chose to depict him with his iconic yet ridiculous bowl cut.
Our Take On James Gunn Comments About Guy Gardner & Green Lantern
Bowl cut or not, Nathan Fillion’s casting as Guy Gardner is inspired. The actor is, of course, friends with Gunn and was cast to follow in the director’s tradition of including frequent collaborators in his projects. However, Fillion is also a talented, beloved performer who is known for comedic roles.
Guy is very different from Hal and John, so casting a humorous actor and creating a distinct aesthetic for the character right out of the gate sets him apart from his more serious counterparts. Bringing Fillion into Superman will hopefully be a lighthearted introduction to the broader idea of the Green Lantern Corps in the DC Universe.
