Being the first official project in James Gunn’s ambitious new DC Universe, the 2025 Superman: Legacy comes with many expectations from fans across the globe. After the casting choices of David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan as the new Kal-El and Lois Lane, the movie continues to build up the hype, with not one, but three more Justice League members to join the roster, who are revealed to be Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrific.
In the last article, we mentioned Hawkgirl, who’s portrayed by the young Isabela Merced, along with her extensive and convoluting comic background, and now, we’ll move on to the next hero: Green Lantern. Widely known as one of the most popular members of the Justice League, however this version of Green Lantern won’t be the Hal Jordan that we already know about, but it’s Guy Gardner instead. So how’s Guy Gardner different as the ring bearer, and what his comic background is like? Let’s find out.
#1. Who’s going to play Guy Gardner in Superman: Legacy?
Source: Marvel
It is officially confirmed by James Gunn himself that Guy Gardner is going to be portrayed by Nathan Fillion, an experienced actor who’s best known for his role as the officer John Nolan in the TV series The Rookie. The Canadian performer also stars in a Marvel movie this year, playing the oblivious Master Karja, the chief of security of Orgocorp in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3. He also played an alien inmate in the first Guardians movie who wanted to attack Quill, but later got beaten up by Groot instead.
Another fun fact about Nathan Fillion, is that the actor himself has voiced Hal Jordan for various animated series and movies in DC. It’s a bit ironic how he doesn’t get to portray the Man Without Fear in the live-action version.
#2. Guy Gardner’s notorious comic background explained.
Source: DC Comics
Casual comic fans and movie enjoyers would know about Hal Jordan, the most iconic version of Green Lantern, who even has his own solo movie in 2011, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds. The film was an overall disaster, so fans want Hal to finally have his redemption in the new DC Universe, but now we have Guy Gardner instead.
Unlike Hal and the other lanterns, Guy Gardner is infamously known for his hot-headed, foul-mouthed, and obnoxious personality, and has a delinquent past. He is obviously not the most well-liked Lantern in the world compared to Hal Jordan. However, behind his rough demeanor, Gardner has a very righteous heart, and an amazing willpower that refuses to back down under any circumstances. He’s also a very prideful warrior, who always keeps his head held high and believes in his sense of justice, and never lets anyone else stops him from doing so.
Source: DC Comics
Like most superheroes and Green Lanterns, Guy tries to avoid killing at all costs, but will make a few exceptions if the situation requires so. According to him, killing someone is the "easy" way out, and his way of doing things is making the bad guy face the consequences. Though his personality can be unbearable sometimes, Guy is still a respectable p in the Lanterns community thanks to these attributes.
#3. Is Guy’s power any different from other Lanterns?
Source: DC Comics
Like any other ring-bearer, Guy possesses an indomitable will, which is required to be a warrior, and his ring mastery is among the best of the bunch. He’s also an expert melee combatant, getting recognized by Superman himself.
Unlike Hal, Guy is partially Vuldarian, a powerful alien species that can transform their body at will. The Vuldarian blood in his veins allows Guy to alter his body freely, from forming blades and weapons from his body, to gaining a ridiculous amount of muscle mass to outclass the enemies. He also has exceptional super strength that is on par with even Superman, and can even absorb and project energy as well. It’s not exaggerated to say Guy is one of the most powerful Lanterns there is.
#4. Why it’s better to have Guy Gardner as Green Lantern than Hal Jordan in Superman: Legacy?
Source: Warner Bros
Many fans were surprised to hear that Guy Gardner will appear as Green Lantern instead of Hal in the upcoming Man of Steel title, who’s obviously a less popular p. However, this doesn’t mean that James Gunn doesn’t have any plans for our favorite Man Without Fear. In fact, Hal already has his place in the new DCU, as the new Lanterns series is currently under production.
Besides, having such an iconic character as Hal in Superman: Legacy would have the main attention shifted away from the main character Clark Kent, so replacing him with a less recognizable one like Guy seems to be a more reasonable move. Additionally, with his role cemented in the DCU with Lanterns, there’s no doubt we’ll get to see Hal Jordan sooner or later in future DCU movie projects, including the Justice League.
What do you think of Guy Gardner’s appearance in Superman: Legacy instead of Hal? Share your opinion in the comment.