James Gunn’s DCU is doing something no other comic book franchise has ever attempted, and Nathan Fillion just explained exactly what it is. The Lanterns star broke down the one creative choice that sets Gunn’s universe apart from every previous adaptation.
Nathan Fillion explains the one thing James Gunn’s DCU does differently
Nathan Fillion sat down with Screen Rant to discuss James Gunn’s DCU. The actor explained what makes Gunn’s franchise stand out from other comic book adaptations.
The actor, who portrays Guy Gardner/Green Lantern in the DCU, shared his appreciation for Gunn’s creative vision. “Being a comic book fan since I was a lad, the concept of, but what if it were real, is wonderful,” Fillion said. He referenced Batman’s tonal shift over the years to illustrate his point. “There was a time when he was super happy and he would fight supervillains with large Q-tips on top of giant kitchen appliances,” Fillion recalled.
He then contrasted that lighthearted era with the character’s grim foundation. “The truth of it is, his parents were murdered in front of him as a child and he spends his time beating the crap out of criminals. That’s psychotic,” Fillion explained. “That’s a troubled man. That’s the reality.”
Fillion went on to pinpoint exactly how Gunn’s approach differs from past adaptations. “What I really enjoy about what James is doing is he’s not saying what if this character were real in our universe. He’s saying, what if we lived in that universe?” Fillion stated. “What if we lived in a comic book universe? The comic book universe is the thing that was real. That’s the fresh way in to a comic book franchise.”
Fillion’s Gardner also gained depth through Lanterns. Episode 3 revealed the Corps discourages members from interfering in Earth’s geopolitical affairs, supporting Gardner’s refusal to help during 2025’s Superman. Hawkgirl and Mister Terrific dismissed his vows as excuses at the time. Lanterns now reframes his choice to aid Superman in Jarhanpur as genuine defiance.
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