In a time marked by endless remakes and superhero fatigue, Nathan Fillion expresses uncertainty about the necessity of a new Superman movie but strongly believes in the message it embodies. The actor, known for his portrayal of Green Lantern in the James Gunn-directed reboot of the DC Universe, appreciates the value in all previous Superman iterations, stating, "I think all the Superman iterations have had incredible value. I love them all." He emphasizes that this latest film returns to the core ideals of the character, focusing on hope and kindness, which he believes is a crucial message in the current social climate.
The film, titled “Superman,” is set to hit theaters on a Friday and is the latest adaptation featuring Krypton’s last son. David Corenswet takes on the role of Superman, an alien with extraordinary powers who aims to promote good, despite the growing mistrust surrounding him. The antagonist Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, exploits societal fears to frame Superman as a threat, exacerbating distrust among the populace.
Recent comments from director James Gunn have sparked backlash from conservative commentators, particularly after Gunn described the film's storyline as focusing on "an immigrant that came from other places," potentially offending some viewers by promoting themes of “human kindness.” Kellyanne Conway, on a Fox News segment titled "Superwoke," criticized Gunn's comments, arguing that audiences prefer escapism over being lectured in movie theaters.
In response to the criticism, Fillion demonstrates a considerate approach, suggesting that those offended may just need “a hug” and reminding everyone that “it’s just a movie.” He reflects on his own viewing experience, noting that he found the film's political content to be subtle at best. However, the storyline reflects real-world concerns, with Luthor depicted as a powerful billionaire manipulating government influence and a fictional war illustrating societal divisions exacerbated by disinformation.
In addition to Superman, the film introduces other heroes such as the Green Lantern (played by Fillion), Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, forming a team known as the Justice Gang to safeguard humanity together. Fillion is notably the first actor to portray the Guy Gardner version of Green Lantern on the big screen, a character characterized as cocky and brash, diverging from the more earnest portrayals by previous actors like Ryan Reynolds, who played Hal Jordan in the 2011 film “Green Lantern.”
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Fillion recounts how he initially aimed to embody "flawless" characters but realized that audiences are drawn to relatable, imperfect heroes. His roles in popular shows like “Castle” and “The Rookie” exemplify this understanding, allowing him to portray charmingly flawed characters. On the subject of his portrayal of Guy Gardner, Fillion expresses his commitment to the character's iconic look, proudly advocating for the “bowl cut” hairstyle that aligns with the character’s unconventional nature, stating, “When you see a guy walking down the street with a bowl cut, he clearly does not care what you think.”
The film “Superman” is perceived as a significant launchpad for James Gunn’s revitalized DC Universe. Fillion, who has collaborated with Gunn in previous projects such as “The Suicide Squad” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” expresses his enthusiasm for continuing this partnership. He is set to reprise his role as Guy Gardner in upcoming projects, including the series "Lanterns" and the second season of "Peacemaker," both on the Max streaming service.
With a passion for the character and the new direction DC Studios is taking, Fillion is keen on furthering his involvement, hinting at his interest in a stand-alone Justice Gang movie. He shares a lighthearted sentiment about his collaborative experiences, noting how he and his co-stars leave not just as friends but as “super friends,” showcasing the camaraderie he values in his professional relationships.
