Nathan Fillion on Guy Gardner’s ‘Lanterns’ Debut and His Central Role in the DC Universe

Nathan Fillion is finally bringing Guy Gardner back to the screen in the sixth episode of HBO Max’s Lanterns, ending a five-episode absence that initially made it difficult for the actor to convince friends he was even part of the cast. “Thank goodness HBO has been kind enough to use my face up on the placard on the screen,” Fillion joked regarding the character’s off-screen duration.

In the episode, set in 2026, Guy Gardner appears following John Stewart’s decision to relinquish the Green Lantern ring permanently. The narrative sees John returning to his hometown of Rushville for one final meeting with Hal Jordan before Jordan is discovered deceased in the bleachers. Through these events, Guy emerges as the new Green Lantern, a development Fillion describes as a crucial narrative thread within the broader DC Universe.

The episode features a tense jailhouse scene where Guy receives a distress signal from Rushville. Although initially hesitant to assist John, Guy is moved when John reminds him that his current successes are due to opportunities John declined for him. This moment of gratitude is significant for Guy, whose ego is deeply tied to his identity as a Green Lantern. Fillion noted that the mantle carries different weight for Guy than it does for Hal Jordan or John Stewart, making the obligation to John particularly impactful for his character.

Ultimately selected as the third available candidate for the ring after Hal and John, Guy embraces the responsibility with his characteristic bravado. Fillion described Guy as comfortable “throwing his weight around” and satisfying the chip on his shoulder simply by being the only one present with the power ring.

Guy’s public persona is heavily emphasized early in the episode, appearing first not in person but via a cardboard cutout advertising Electro Punch at a local grocery store. Fillion portrayed Guy as a shrewd businessman focused on brand deals, financial security, and fame. “He wants to not just be Green Lantern, but a famous Green Lantern,” the actor explained, adding that the character is likely well-versed in social media trends.

Despite the grounded tone of Lanterns, Fillion remained committed to maintaining Guy’s core consistency. He compared the shift in setting to spending a weekend in Metropolis or Gotham: the environment changes, but the person remains the same. This approach draws on Fillion’s deep familiarity with the source material, stemming from his childhood comic book collection and his earlier voice work in Justice League Unlimited.

Although Fillion admitted he initially disliked Guy Gardner during his youth, believing the character was written to be unlikable, he found depth in recent portrayals. While preparing for his role in James Gunn’s Superman (2025), Fillion explored Guy’s backstory, citing a difficult relationship with his father and a past coma that may have caused minor brain damage, as motivations for his abrasive exterior.

Looking ahead, Lanterns represents a unique entry point into Gunn’s DC Universe. Fillion contrasted the show’s realistic approach—imagining what would happen if DC heroes existed in our world—with the more fantastical setting of the main cinematic universe. He expressed excitement about exploring rural America within the narrative, mirroring the show’s journey from Metropolis to the Midwest.

Fillion also confirmed that Guy Gardner will appear in the upcoming animated series Mister Miracle and the 2027 film Man of Tomorrow, where he will share screen time with Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart. With his extensive history collaborating with Gunn, dating back to Slither and Super, Fillion expressed pride in holding the record for the most projects featuring a DC Universe character, calling it a prime position to be in.