N A T H A N F I L L I O N
Photographed by: John Russo
Interview: Ken Waller
Styled by: Luca Kingston
Grooming: Kathy Santiago
Location: Los Angeles, CA
KW: With “Superman” kicking off a new era for DC, what excites you most about being part of this universe?
NF: That it’s, a new angle. Everything we’ve seen up to now are versions of the same entry angle. “What if this comic book character was real and in our world?” This movie is “What if this comic book world was real?” There’s an immense difference. Having a piece of a project like this is a fantasy. It’s forever. Now I’m Guy Gardner. Even if there’s another actor playing Guy years from now, I was still the first. It’s not nothing.
KW: Your portrayal of Guy Gardner in “Superman” is highly anticipated. What drew you to this character, and how did you prepare for the role?
NF: This is a popular idea, that an actor is drawn to a role. I wasn’t drawn to it, it was gifted to me. “You are going to be Guy Gardner.” It’s a lightning bolt. In an instant, you know you’re going to be in another Gunn movie, have that incredible experience, and a chance to do something special with a unique and unusual character.
I read up on Guy, asked James about which comics to reference, and then started to piece together something that made sense of Guy to me. I also drew a lot of inspiration from Estelle Getty (Sophia) in the Golden Girls.
KW: Guy Gardner is known for his brash personality and signature bowl cut. How did you approach bringing his attitude to life on screen?
NF: Playing a character with flaws is very rewarding. Flaws are extremely informative. Dig into the flaws and you’ll find gold. Or a gold tooth.
KW: You’ve played heroes before, but Guy Gardner is a bit more… abrasive. What was the most fun and most challenging part of embodying him?
NF: The most fun was flying. But a flying harness is really, really uncomfortable. So is wearing a wig. By the end of a shoot, all you can think about is getting it off. Strange that the most fun bits are at the same time mild forms of torture.
KW: You’ve voiced Green Lantern in animated projects before. How does playing Guy Gardner in live-action compare to your past experiences?
NF: Doing VO’s (that’s biz talk for voice overs) is a breeze. No costumes, no stunts, and you can just read your lines off a page. Far more prep, and effort to portray a super hero live. You contend with heavy costumes, wigs, weather, late nights, long days- it’s a grind. But it’s all worth the time you put in when it lives forever on film.
KW: What was your first reaction when Gunn told you he wanted you to play Guy Gardner?
NF: Shock. Gratitude. (I think James has to be sick of hearing how grateful I am- I’ve started using code phrases instead.) I couldn’t ever have planned this career, but I certainly dreamed it. I imagine my reaction would be the same as anyone hearing that their dreams are coming true.
KW: Season 8 of The Rookie is officially in production! What excites you most about returning to John Nolan’s story?
NF: More so than being excited for Nolan, I’m excited for me. The Rookie is the best job I’ve ever had. I’m so thrilled to be a part of the community that makes our show, and I can’t wait to be working together with them all again.
KW: The Rookie has been a fan favorite for years—what do you think has kept audiences so invested in the show as it enters its 8th season?
NF: I think it’s about balance, and about the characters. The show is many things- light, fun, dramatic, high stakes, romantic, you could go on… there’s so much to be enjoyed. I especially love hearing that people watch together. That it starts conversations, and gives families and friends time to spend with each other.
To learn more about Nathan follow him @Nathanfillion