Nathan Fillion's Epic Green Lantern Art Shuts Down DCU Casting Debate

Nathan Fillion is set to make his debut as the new Green Lantern in 2025's Superman: Legacy. Fan art provides a glimpse of how he might look as Guy Gardner. The unexpected casting announcement from James Gunn also revealed Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, joining David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.

Fillion's casting generated a mix of enthusiasm and disappointment. While it's undeniably a great choice for the DCU reboot to have Fillion as a Green Lantern, many expected him to play a different character, especially since he had already portrayed Hal Jordan. However, James Gunn had his reasons for choosing Gardner. With Hal Jordan slated to appear in the upcoming Lanterns TV show, Gardner's addition to the superhero community surrounding David Corenswet's Superman is still a positive outcome. The accompanying fan art amplifies the excitement.

Why Nathan Fillion's Green Lantern Casting Is Controversial

Though Fillion does not have Gardner's famous bowl cut in Superman: Legacy, as confirmed by James Gunn, there is no denying that he looks incredibly stylish in Gardner's Lantern costume, featuring a leather jacket-style design.

The casting of Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern in Superman: Legacy has sparked a discussion around the potential contradiction of having multiple superheroes in what is supposed to be a Superman solo movie. This debate has brought back memories for fans of the Snyderverse, who recall similar criticisms directed at Batman v Superman. Fillion's portrayal of an older Green Lantern could alter the established DC Comics origin of Guy Gardner, who was initially recruited as a 21-year-old. However, this portrayal aligns with James Gunn's vision of a "lived-in superhero world," implying a sense of longevity and deviating from the typical narrative where all superheroes are new. This departure from convention is ultimately a positive aspect.

In addition to age, Fillion doesn't align with Gardner's comic book version. He might be able to portray the character's obnoxious side, but he doesn't possess the muscular physique that DC fans may anticipate for Earth's second Green Lantern. Alan Ritchson, known for his role as Reacher, would be a more suitable choice, and Ryan Reynolds may have been better suited to play him instead of Hal Jordan. However, James Gunn has a history of successful casting surprises (such as Chris Pratt as Star-Lord and Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon), and superheroes are adaptable. Perhaps a slightly gentler and wiser portrayal of Guy Gardner in Superman: Legacy could actually be beneficial. Or maybe we'll witness Nathan Fillion deliver a performance that completely challenges expectations.