Nathan Fillion Wasn’t the First to Play Guy Gardner in the DCU In Live-Action – But We Wish He Was

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This new wave of movies and TV shows heavily features Guy Gardner. The poor reception to the 2011 Green Lantern movie seemingly led to the character being absent from live-action adaptations for over ten years. Though a version of that Green Lantern character is returning, the DC Universe will showcase a different, less famous version of Guy Gardner. Nathan Fillion isn’t the first live-action Guy Gardner, but the previous actor played a slightly different version. And the heroes in the 1997 Justice League of America series aren’t the familiar faces most people know.

Years ago, Hollywood generally believed that shared universes – where characters from different shows and movies crossed over – wouldn’t work. However, Warner Bros. Television proved them wrong with the TV show Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. When ABC canceled that series in 1997, CBS took a chance on a similar concept with Justice League of America, featuring updated versions of heroes like Flash, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter. Unfortunately, it didn’t catch on. The attempt at a pilot aired as a movie, and thankfully, CBS didn’t order a full series. Looking back, it was probably a good thing, considering the mixed reception of live-action DC adaptations over the last thirty years. Despite this, dedicated DC fans recorded Justice League of America when it aired on CBS around Christmas and shared those recordings at comic book stores and conventions. Without those unofficial copies, the movie would have been largely forgotten. While Guy Gardner appeared in the film, Nathan Fillion is still the actor most fans associate with that character, as he accurately portrays him from the comic books.

Green Lantern Was Guy Gardner by Name Only in the Justice League of America TV Movie

In 1997, DC Comics experienced a surge in popularity due to the success of a new series called JLA. Hoping to capitalize on the sales boost from the “Death of Superman” event and its impact on Lois and Clark, WB Television quickly developed a pilot episode inspired by the comic. Grant Morrison’s JLA series marked a shift by focusing on a core team of the original seven superheroes. The series featured Kyle Rayner as Green Lantern, and the pilot’s character, played by Matthew Settle, clearly drew visual inspiration from Kyle’s comic book appearance at the time – specifically his half-black, half-green Lantern Corps logo, hairstyle, and mask.

Instead of a full costume, the character wears a green vest and turtleneck similar to one worn by Guy Gardner in the older Justice League International comic series. Interestingly, despite the success of the newer JLA series, the creators took a lot of inspiration from that earlier run. It’s understandable, though – successful movies and shows often put their own spin on established stories. This version of Guy Gardner, created for the show, is very different from how he’s portrayed in the comics, even compared to other Green Lanterns like Kyle Rayner. He’s depicted as both a romantic and a charming womanizer, working as a software salesman when he’s not in costume. Unlike the confident and sometimes abrasive Guy Gardner played by Nathan Fillion, this version is more subdued. Other heroes, like The Flash, The Atom, Fire, and Ice, also have personalities and backstories that differ significantly from their comic book origins.

The quality of these characters isn’t due to the actors playing them. The writers and director of Justice League of America – or maybe the network – were aiming for very specific character types popular in 1990s TV. Gardner was the classic good-looking, kind hero. Palmer was the nerdy but secretly confident one. Barry Allen was the lovable, carefree goofball. Fire was a strong, independent woman with a hidden power. Ice was the incredibly intelligent but socially awkward character who finally found her voice. And Martian Manhunter was the wise leader, though they could only film him for a single day due to budget constraints.

How the DC Universe and the Justice League of America in 1997 Compare and Contrast

Though it’s different from the recent live-action DC movies, Justice League of America surprisingly shares some similarities. Like those films, this version doesn’t spend much time showing how the heroes got their powers – only one character gets a detailed origin story. Ice essentially fills the role Superman has in the DC Extended Universe, as the story follows her transformation from scientist to superhero. The rest of the team is already established and works with the guidance of Martian Manhunter. Viewers often discuss whether the characterizations work, particularly for characters like Guy Gardner as played by Nathan Fillion, and the overall dynamic of the team. Despite its flaws, a lack of character backgrounds isn’t one of the movie’s biggest issues.

I’ve been noticing some interesting similarities between the dynamics of the Justice League in Superman and the team in Peacemaker Season 2. It really reminds me of a group of coworkers who are also like family – they’re always joking around and not taking things too seriously. When they’re out in the field, Guy Gardner definitely takes charge, but Martian Manhunter and Maxwell Lord are the ones pulling strings behind the scenes. Honestly, the ‘smart guys’ – Atom and Mr. Terrific – are the real heroes, especially when it comes to figuring out what the bad guys are up to. And surprisingly, the new members – Metamorpho and Ice – have been a fantastic addition to the team, bringing a lot of energy and adaptability.

Compared to James Gunn’s characters, the heroes in the 1996 Justice League America television series feel inconsistent and lack depth – something only comic book fans would likely recognize. The new DC Universe successfully blends the fantastical nature of comics with genuine emotional weight. While the filmmakers of the 1996 series seemed to aim for the same balance, they missed the mark. The show’s attempts at humor feel old-fashioned and cynical, and its serious moments come across as overly dramatic. Limited budgets are also noticeable in the action and costume design. One bright spot is the unusual decision to focus on the League saving lives during natural disasters caused by a villain, a clever contrast to the approach in Grant Morrison’s comic book.

The 1997 Justice League Movie Puts the 21st Century DC Shows and Films in Perspective

Many viewers who haven’t seen Justice League of America aren’t missing a great deal. The late Miguel Ferrer, much like in his role in The Stand miniseries, portrays the villain with a believable subtlety. Michelle Hurd and David Krumholtz prove that even decades ago, they could make any scene better, even one focused on something as silly as a banana costume. The show’s limitations in terms of special effects and budget are quite noticeable, particularly during scenes where characters demonstrate their powers, especially those of Guy Gardner.

Interestingly, the Atom stands out as the most imaginatively used character in the film, though it still feels a bit silly. Despite some cringeworthy elements reminiscent of 1990s superhero movies, the film suggests a shift towards a more modern and sophisticated approach to the genre. While Batman & Robin was struggling, Justice League of America demonstrates that Warner Bros. was already planning a different path as early as 1997 – and was open to the idea of team-ups, a concept later successfully explored in shows like Smallville and the Arrowverse. The 1990s and early 2000s saw a number of unsuccessful attempts to bring DC heroes to the screen.

Looking back at the challenges faced by the Justice League of America movie can help fans understand why some recent DC films haven’t worked out. While changes are common – like Ice’s brief appearance in costume – and characters like the Arrowverse’s Atom differ from their comic book counterparts, this film took even greater liberties. Compared to Nathan Fillion’s portrayal of Guy Gardner, none of the characters felt true to their original comic book versions. Despite everyone’s best efforts, the film’s struggles ultimately helped set the stage for later successes in the DC Universe.

Most of the TV shows and movies based on DC Comics are available on HBO Max, but the 1997 Justice League of America film isn’t currently available for legal purchase or streaming.

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2025-10-31 17:42