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Nathan Fillion, of course, the star of The Rookie, will be expanding his reach in the DC Universe by reprising his Guy Gardner role in HBO’s coming Lanterns series. The series, which is part of James Gunn’s revamped DC slate, is already creating waves big enough to be heard across the universe.
Production on Lanterns began in February of 2025 and has been under way in Los Angeles. The show stars Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, two Green Lanterns who investigate a murder in the American heartland. The case that they find involves something that will have monumental consequences. The tone of the series is being compared to that of True Detective, offering a darker, more grounded interpretation of the Green Lantern legend without losing the science fiction elements. Producer James Hawes has emphasized that the series will balance realism against intergalactic history of the comics, exciting viewers of Slow Horses and Black Mirror.
Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner will probably introduce a fascinating element to the series. Gardner is traditionally depicted as being cocky, brash, and sometimes abrasive, so he will be an excellent foil to other Lanterns. Fillion has indicated that the character is “a jerk” and “not nice,” and that it is freeing as an actor to play someone so unabashedly selfish. With Fillion’s inherent charm and comedic timing, his work is bound to be one of the standouts on the series.
The ensemble cast includes Jason Ritter, Kelly Macdonald, Poorna Jagannathan, and Ulrich Thomsen, who add more depth to the series. Even though details about them playing what roles are still kept under wraps, the cast hints Lanterns will feature a mix of experienced actors and newer actors.
James Gunn and DC Studios are eagerly anticipating the series, which is going to serve a seminal role in shaping the new DC Universe. There’s hope for retaining Lanterns at a level appealing to long-term comic book readers as well as to newcomers alike, seeking to balance heavy lore with a stand-alone interesting storyline.
With an eight-episode first season debuting in early 2026, excitement is already building for Lanterns. Fillion’s involvement, coupled with a reputable creative team and a high-concept vision, has placed the show among the most eagerly awaited titles on DC’s freshly rebooted roster. Viewers anticipating Fillion’s take on Gardner won’t have long to wait, his initial appearance coming in Superman before he returns in Lanterns.
