The upcoming HBO series Lanterns promises a grittier take on the Green Lantern universe, with Nathan Fillion revealing his portrayal of Guy Gardner as edgier and more profane than ever before. Set within the evolving DC Universe, this show marks another opportunity to explore complex character dynamics through a mature lens.
With the DC Universe expanding to include varied tones and styles across projects, Guy Gardner stands out as a character perfectly suited for this diversity. Nathan Fillion will reprise his role as the Green Lantern in Lanterns and Peacemaker, following his initial appearance in Superman, bringing continuity and depth to his character.
Cast Chemistry and Character Depth Among Lanterns Ensemble
Fillion expressed admiration for his castmate Aaron Pierre, highlighting the thoughtful, intense nature Pierre brings to his role. He described Pierre’s performance as both powerful and nuanced, noting how the actor carefully embodies the struggles of his character.
“Aaron, he’s got a voice like butter,”
Fillion commented to Entertainment Weekly.
“And he’s statuesque, like he’s carved out of marble. He’s very, very specific about his character and what his character’s going through. His character’s clearly going through something.”
Against this serious backdrop, Fillion’s Guy Gardner injects a contrasting dynamic. He described Gardner as flamboyant and brash, filled with irreverence and sharp language rarely seen from the actor before.
“And then along comes this gregarious, smug son of a bitch in Guy Gardner. And in that show…boy, Guy Gardner. I’ve dropped more F-bombs in that project than I have in, I think, my entire career put together.”
Character Evolution for Guy Gardner Expected in Lanterns
Despite Gardner’s trademark cockiness and attitude, Lanterns aims to provide more depth beyond the surface-level bravado. Fillion indicated that the series will chart a significant transformation for Guy Gardner, impacting how audiences and future DC projects might perceive him.

“But by the end of it, you can tell there is a shift. Guy Gardner is no longer comfortable. He is no longer feeling smug. Then you can see where John’s strength really lies. That is a strong individual. I don’t really have any scenes directly with Hal Jordan, but meeting Kyle, he’s everything you’d hope he would be. Very fun, very nice man, very lighthearted, and fun to be around.”
This evolution suggests Gardner may align more closely with his comic origins, blending his boldness with unexpected empathy. Such growth early in the DC Universe’s reboot could set the stage for a fresh, more layered interpretation of the character.
Production Update and Anticipation for Lanterns
Currently in production for HBO, Lanterns is poised to expand the Green Lantern mythos with a bold, adult-oriented approach. Viewers can expect a blend of intense drama and dark humor, anchored by Nathan Fillion’s dynamic portrayal of Guy Gardner. The series reflects the DC Universe’s mission to embrace diverse storytelling styles while maintaining interconnected narratives.
Fans of the franchise should stay tuned for more updates on Lanterns and developments within the DC Universe, as this new chapter looks set to challenge expectations and deepen beloved characters‘ stories.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Nathan Fillion deaf?
A. He cannot hear out of his left ear. He became deaf in that ear back in 1977.
Q. Does Nathan Fillion have a hearing problem?
A. Nathan Fillion was born on March 27, 1971, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Reports say he lost hearing in his left ear at age six. He hasn’t talked much about losing his hearing, but he has mentioned it occasionally.
