“I Was Team Bowl Cut The Whole Way:” Superman’s Nathan Fillion Reveals He Lobbied For His Green Lantern To Have His Comic-Accurate Hairstyle

Guy Gardner actor Nathan Fillion reveals his character’s hairstyle was make-or-break for his DCU casting in James Gunn’s Superman. Superman marks the first on-screen appearance by a live-action human Green Lantern on the big screen since 2011’s Green Lantern. This time, it’s Guy Gardner’s turn to defend Earth with the Green Lantern ring alongside fellow heroes like Mister Terrific and Superman. Besides his weapon and his cocky personality, what makes Guy Gardner stand out the most is his goofy-looking bowl haircut.

In an episode of Max‘s DC Studios Showcase Official Podcast, Superman star Nathan Fillion addresses Guy Gardner’s silly haircut. According to Fillion, other hairstyles were considered, but he put his foot down and requested Guy Gardner’s iconic bowl cut, as it’s a core part of the character’s appearance. Guy’s bowl cut had to be a wig, however, as Fillion filmed another project that required him to have a less extravagant hairstyle. Read Nathan Fillion’s comments:

“There was some talk about different hairstyles. There was some talk about some different types of things we were going to go… I was team bowl cut the whole way. It’s canon. It’s set. I said, ‘If we don’t do a bowl cut, we’re going to hear about it.”

“Now, here’s the thing. I have another job with a boss who’s kind enough to let me out for other projects. But I think he would draw the line at a bowl cut police officer.”

Nathan Fillion Understands Guy Gardner

While Guy Gardner’s bowl cut looks silly, it suits the character. Not only is Guy Gardner’s bowl cut “canon” to the hero in the source material, but it also represents his personality perfectly. Guy Gardner is the most insolent, overconfident, and unintentionally comedic member of the Green Lantern Corps. In the comics, Guy either believes he rocks the bowl cut or doesn’t care whether everyone finds it funny. In his mind, if anything he wears or does annoys other people, it fulfills its purpose.

Guy Gardner’s goofy appearance and arrogant personality make him a very different Green Lantern to Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Kyle Rayner, and other human members of the Corps. In the DCU, Nathan Fillion’s intentionally obnoxious Guy Gardner performance will likely make him a comic-accurate iteration of the hero, and it could open the door for fun interactions between Guy and other heroes, including Lanterns‘ titular protagonists. The fact that Nathan Fillion insisted on giving Guy Gardner his iconic hairstyle is a clear sign he understands how to portray him.

The DCU Will Be True To Each Character’s Personality

Introducing a character as wacky as Guy Gardner in the DCU’s first live-action installment is a bold move, but it proves that the franchise won’t be afraid to take risks and venture into previously unexplored corners of DC Comics lore. Guy Gardner‘s bowl cut, Superman’s trunks, Metamorpho’s shapeshifting powers, Hawkgirl’s complex backstory, and Mister Terrific’s ultra-futuristic tech are all making their debut in James Gunn’s Superman. These might be a small taste of the DCU’s affinity for bold dives into its comic book roots.

Source: Max‘s DC Studios Showcase Official Podcast

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