Superman’s Green Lantern Star Nathan Fillion Drops F-Bombs in HBO’s Lanterns

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Nathan Fillion is prepared to break new ground as Green Lantern, using language previously unheard in the character on screen. Known for his roles in “Firefly” and “Castle”, Fillion portrays the impulsive Guy Gardner in James Gunn’s PG-13 Superman movie. In this film, Green Lantern playfully employs his ring-empowered will to create a emerald construct of a rude hand gesture towards his adversaries. This kind of brashness is what Fillion intends to bring to HBO’s “Lanterns” series, which will carry a TV-MA rating. Fillion made his first appearance in Gunn’s explicit language HBO Max series “Peacemaker” during its second season.

Similar to his comic book character, who is known for being arrogant, self-centered, bold, and disorderly, yet showing respect for his fellow Lanterns, Fillion’s Guy Gardner will display a cocky, boastful demeanor when he appears alongside Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Fillion described his co-star as having a voice so smooth it’s like butter and a physical presence reminiscent of a marble sculpture. He also mentioned that the actor is incredibly precise when portraying his character and its emotional journey. However, their dynamic changes dramatically when another character, Guy Gardner, enters the scene. In this particular project, Fillion admitted, he’s sworn more times as Guy Gardner than in probably all of his other work combined.

In my perspective, when Fillion mentions Guy’s arrogant demeanor, it’s evident from their initial scene together with Stewart. However, as the scene progresses, it becomes clear that there’s a change in his character by the end of it.

Guy Gardner is no longer at ease, and he’s not self-assured anymore,” Fillion added. “This is when John’s true strength becomes apparent – a sign of a truly strong character. Despite not sharing many scenes with Kyle Chandler’s seasoned space cop Hal Jordan in Lanterns, Fillion spoke highly of Chandler, saying, ‘But getting to know Kyle, he’s just as you’d expect – friendly, amiable, light-hearted, and enjoyable to be around.’

As a devoted cinephile, I’ve been fortunate enough to lend my voice to Hal Jordan, the inaugural human Green Lantern, across numerous animated films since 2011’s “Green Lantern: Emerald Knights”. Though I’ve voiced Jordan in projects like “Justice League: Doom” (2012), “Justice League: Throne of Atlantis” (2015), “Death of Superman” (2018), and “Reign of Supermen” (2019), I proudly point out that while many have taken on the role of Hal Jordan, I am the first to portray Guy Gardner in live-action. Should there be another opportunity, I’ll remain the trailblazer. In my opinion, I’m in an exceptional position.

In this role, Gunn, who collaborates with showrunner Chris Mundy (known for “Ozark”), along with executive producers and co-writers Tom King (“Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow”) and Damon Lindelof (“Lost”), has likened the HBO Original drama series to the investigative style of “True Detective”. As per the synopsis, “Lanterns” focuses on John Stewart, a new recruit, and Hal Jordan, a veteran Lantern, both intergalactic cops, who find themselves embroiled in a complex mystery when they investigate a murder in the heartland of America.

In a statement made during the start of production in February, Mundy expressed that our primary objective has been to craft a multi-layered drama. This drama would be built on intricate storytelling and detailed world creation, ensuring a harmonious blend of suspense and enigma with genuine, heartfelt feelings. Our aim is to produce something that feels both timeless and earthy, without compromising the captivating essence of the original content.

The movie titled “Lanterns,” featuring Pierre, Chandler, and Fillion together with Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, and Ulrich Thomsen, is slated for release on HBO in 2026. Meanwhile, DC Studios’ Superman will hit theaters this coming Friday.

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2025-07-10 22:43