Guy Gardner was set to be a lead of “Lanterns” at one point, played by Finn Wittrock and co-starring with Jeremy Irvine as another Green Lantern, Alan Scott. The reshuffling of DC Studios under James Gunn and Peter Safran put this take on the show out to pasture, but I think I know why Gunn still wants to use Guy Gardner.
James Gunn has cited artist Kevin Maguire as an influence on the DCU; Maguire’s most famous DC work is also Guy Gardner’s most-remembered role. Namely, the 1980s run on “Justice League” by Maguire and writers J.M. DeMatteis & Keith Giffen (commonly known as “Justice League International”).
When “Justice League International” launched, the creative team couldn’t use most of DC’s A-list heroes (except for Batman). That meant a team made of mostly B and C-stringers: Guy Gardner, Black Canary, Martian Manhunter, Captain Marvel, Mister Miracle, Doctor Fate, Blue Beetle, Doctor Light, and soon Booster Gold and Fire & Ice. Yet, it worked thanks to strong characterization and comedy. (For instance, this is the run where Martian Manhunter gets addicted to Oreos.)
Guy Gardner is one of the keystone characters of this run. He’s front and center on Maguire’s now-famous cover of issue #1, and the character who first appears within the issue. Throughout the run, he often chafes against the stodgy Batman (in issue #5, Guy challenges Batman to a brawl and gets knocked out with one punch) and eventually hooks up with Ice.
Gunn’s “Superman” introduces not only Fillion as Guy, but also Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord, the JLI’s civilian benefactor. Why is Gunn pulling from this “Justice League” run? Easy, it’s his kind of superhero story. Giffen, DeMatteis, and Maguire took a team of obscure characters and spun gold, mixing a goofy tone with sincere heart. This is exactly what Gunn did with “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Suicide Squad.”
“Justice League International” is the blueprint for Gunn’s superhero career, so of course its stars — Guy Gardner included — will have a big part to play in the DC Universe as told by James Gunn.
“Superman” opens in theaters on July 11, 2025.
