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Green Lantern Actors Reflect on Iconic Roles
27 Sep
Summary
- Matthew Settle originated Guy Gardner in a 1997 TV movie.
- Ryan Reynolds credits Green Lantern with shaping his career.
- Nathan Fillion embraced Guy Gardner's flawed, carefree nature.
Matthew Settle initiated the Green Lantern legacy for Guy Gardner in the 1997 CBS TV movie 'Justice League of America,' conceived as a sitcom-inspired pilot. Ryan Reynolds' 2011 'Green Lantern' film, while a critical and commercial failure, profoundly impacted his career, leading him to meet his wife, Blake Lively. Reynolds has stated he owes his entire career to this movie and would even consider a cameo in HBO's 'Lanterns' series.
Nathan Fillion later embodied the brash Green Lantern in James Gunn's 2025 'Superman,' reprising the role in 'Peacemaker' and 'Lanterns.' Fillion described Guy Gardner as a 'gold mine' to play due to his 90% flawed, unconcerned nature and fiercely advocated for the character's canonical bowl cut.
Meanwhile, Dax Chandler found himself drawn to an older, more experienced Hal Jordan in 'Lanterns,' appreciating the character's humor and gruffness. He acknowledged the pressure of playing such a beloved superhero but aimed to honor the character and the show's essence. Aaron Pierre made history in 'Lanterns' as the first live-action John Stewart, a role he expressed immense privilege in playing and is set to reprise in 'Man of Tomorrow' in July 2027.
