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James Gunn confirms Guardians of the Galaxy 2's cut Nathan Fillion superhero appearance and spills the details

Guardians of the Galaxy 2 is great, duh. But it had a big ol’ Nathan Fillion-shaped hole that disappointed pretty much everyone who saw his japes on the Guardians set. Heck, even director James Gunn was a bit down in the dumps cutting an ā€˜appearance’ from one of his best friends. Gunn, though, has revealed who he was meant to be playing, and why he could still return in a future movie (hint: it’s a superhero).

Writing on his Facebook page, James Gunn revealed that Fillion – star of Firefly – would’ve remained firmly grounded on Earth, in a bunch of movie posters, as cheesy Marvel hero Wonder Man.

Here’s how Gunn described the cut scene: “I really do love the character of Simon Williams/Wonder Man in the comics - a sometimes douchey actor/superhero - and could see Nathan clearly in that role (not because he's a douchebag but because he's great at playing one). But, of course, in a movie set 99.9% in space I didn't really have a place for him. So in a small flash to earth [sic] I decided to put a theater playing a ā€˜Simon Williams Film Festival,’ with six Simon Williams movie posters outside.”

Even for Marvel aficionados, Wonder Man would’ve been a super obscure reference. He’s a perfect fit for Fillion though: an arrogant actor with movie-star good looks (obviously) and strength and speed to match most Avengers. Which makes me wonder why he isn’t already a thing.

Gunn isn’t giving up on his good bud Fillion making a proper, fully-fledged appearance in the MCU in the future as Wonder Man, saying, “I think we can consider them canon for the MCU, and I hold onto hope that Simon Williams will rise again!!”

Image: Marvel

GamesRadar+'s Entertainment Writer. Lover of all things Nintendo, in a tortured love/hate relationship with Crystal Palace, and also possesses an unhealthy knowledge of The Simpsons (which is of no use at parties).