Fillion's Guy Gardner emerges in the 2026 timeline of "Lanterns," stepping into the Green Lantern mantle after John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) relinquishes his ring. The episode sees Guy visiting John in jail, initially reluctant to help until John shrewdly leverages Guy’s deep-seated need for validation. This interaction highlights Guy’s distinct personality: a comedic, ego-driven character whose identity is intrinsically linked to his status as a Green Lantern. Fillion notes to Variety that for Guy, "Wearing the ring, and having the mantle of Green Lantern, is far more important to Guy’s ego than it is to Hal and John’s." This desperation for the ring's status, even if he was the third choice on Earth, fuels his actions.
Guy Gardner isn’t just a hero; he’s a brand. Audiences first encounter Fillion’s face not in person, but on a cardboard cutout advertising "Electro Punch" at a grocery store, a nod to his public-facing persona. Fillion describes Guy as "very concerned about brand and corporate sponsorship," envisioning him as TikTok-literate and someone who understands trends, aspiring to be a "famous Green Lantern." Despite "Lanterns" presenting a more grounded tone than Guy typically inhabits, Fillion was keen to maintain the character’s core essence. He likens it to a person remaining themselves whether they're in Metropolis or Gotham, adapting to the environment without changing their fundamental identity.
Fillion, a self-professed lifelong comic book reader, admits he initially "disliked Guy Gardner," a sentiment he believes was shared by many fans. However, when tasked with bringing the character to life for James Gunn’s DC Universe, particularly in the upcoming "Superman" movie (released 2025), Fillion undertook a deep dive into Guy's backstory. He explains that Guy's "tremendous jerk" persona stems from a need to prove himself, possibly rooted in a difficult upbringing and the feeling of being "passed up." Fillion even humorously points to a comic book incident where Guy suffered brain damage after being hit by a bus, suggesting it "flipped that switch" for the character.
Guy Gardner is set to be a significant player across the expanding DC Universe. Beyond "Lanterns," Fillion has already portrayed the character in "Superman" and is slated for "Man of Tomorrow," Gunn’s 2027 follow-up. He's also lent his voice to the animated "Mister Miracle" series. Fillion, whose collaboration with James Gunn dates back to films like "Slither," expresses immense satisfaction with the direction of the new DCU. He praises the casting, particularly Milly Alcock as Supergirl, adding, "I have yet to be disappointed by anything James Gunn does, which is great because he puts me in most everything he does!" "Lanterns," with its grounded approach, offers a unique perspective within this universe, exploring how a world where "giant monsters appear, where there’s robots and where there’s fantastic happenings constantly" would actually feel to its inhabitants.
Fillion views Guy Gardner as a crucial "thread in the backdrop" of the DC Universe, a character who is "very public part" of its unfolding narrative. His extensive involvement across film, television, and animation places him in a unique position, playfully claiming the record for the most projects by a DCU character. As the DCU continues to build its interconnected tapestry, Guy Gardner, with Fillion's distinct interpretation, looks set to be an indispensable, albeit sometimes irritating, presence.