Nathan Fillion has become a focal point of conversation with his recent role as Guy Gardner in the new DC Studios film, “Superman.” As the excitement surrounding this blockbuster builds, many fans have found themselves questioning what seems to be a rather unconventional hairstyle for a superhero. Specifically, Fillion’s choice of a severe bowl cut has sparked discussions across various platforms.
Fillion, known for his role in the series “The Rookie,” steps into the shoes of Guy Gardner, a character that embodies the qualities of an intergalactic law enforcer known as a Green Lantern. This character, much like the Green Lantern portrayed by Ryan Reynolds in the 2011 film, comes with a distinct identity tied to his hairstyle. The bowl cut, with its signature blondish bangs, is not merely a fashion choice; it’s a nod to the comic book roots from which the character originates.
During a recent premiere event for “Superman” in Hollywood, Fillion defended the choice of haircut, addressing those who raised eyebrows at its suitability for a superhero. He remarked that the hairstyle is “canon” within the original comic series, ensuring that Gardner’s aesthetic remains true to its source. Fillion emphasized the importance of the bowl cut by stating, “I don’t think you can do a Guy Gardner without doing the hair. I think it would be a disservice.” His passionate declaration reinforces the idea that the character’s look is fundamental to how viewers will perceive him.
The actor elaborated that Gardner’s bowl cut serves as a reflection of the character’s bold personality. Fillion explained, “If you see a guy walking down the street with a bowl cut, that guy clearly doesn’t give a damn what you think about him. And that’s Guy Gardner.” This characterization highlights a crucial element of Gardner’s persona—his unabashed confidence and brashness, which add comedic levity throughout the film. Miraculously, the character navigates his journey without receiving extensive commentary about his unique hairdo, save for a playful jab from Lois Lane, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan.
Fillion expressed a deep-seated affinity for the bowl cut, sharing, “I embrace the bowl cut.” He divulged that there was some discussion regarding the possibility of trying out different hairstyles for the role, but he remained steadfastly in favor of the bowl cut look from the start.
However, the challenges for Fillion extended beyond his character’s hairstyle. Portraying Green Lantern also presented its share of difficulties, particularly when it came to the filming process’ physical demands. He described the experience of flying in a harness as exhilarating but uncomfortable, stating, “They’re claustrophobic, they’re very constricting, they’re uncomfortable.” The actor humorously noted that he ended up with a “fist-sized purple bruise on my kidney” from the wearing of one such harness, highlighting the gritty side of acting in superhero films.
Despite the physical discomfort from the harnesses, Fillion maintained that getting the flight sequences right was extremely significant to him as someone who is “very, very picky about flight in film.” This commitment to authenticity in representation reflects not only Fillion’s dedication to his craft but also underscores the high stakes involved as one adapts beloved comic book characters for the big screen.
Fillion has a long-standing working relationship with director James Gunn, who helmed “Superman” and previously collaborated with Fillion on the horror-comedy “Slither” released in 2006. Their partnership has grown, and fans of Fillion can look forward to seeing him reprise the role of Guy Gardner in an upcoming DC-based television series titled “Lanterns,” co-starring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre, with Gunn serving as co-executive producer.
“Superman” is set to hit theaters on July 11, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, which is also the parent company of CNN. As audiences prepare for the release of this much-anticipated film, the film’s reception—and specifically its portrayal of characters like Guy Gardner—may well hinge on how these elements resonate with viewers passionate about the comic book genre.
