Nathan Fillion has no plans to leave The Rookie anytime soon, confirming his commitment to the popular ABC series now in its eighth season. In a recent interview with People Magazine for their 2025 Sexiest Man Alive issue, the 54-year-old actor revealed his long-term vision for the police drama. Fillion stated,
In 10 years, I would like to be just wrapping up The Rookie, maybe handing it off to someone else.
His comments clarify that he intends to continue playing Officer John Nolan for approximately another decade. The actor also shared plans for a “soft retirement” that would involve guest appearances on The Rookie and participation in multiple spin-off series while spending time at a beach house. His statement puts to rest speculation about his departure from the series.
The Rookie Season 8 Takes Nathan Fillion and Cast to Prague
ABC has confirmed that The Rookie Season 8 will premiere on January 6, 2026, at 10:00 p.m. ET (via ScreenRant). The upcoming season filmed portions of its opening episode in Prague, Czech Republic, during late June 2025, making it the first time the series has shot outside the United States.
Production crews utilized multiple Prague locations, including the Invalidovna complex, Old Town city center, Jan Palach Square, and the Rudolfinum concert hall (via The Prague Reporter). The Prague shoot included core cast members Nathan Fillion, Melissa O’Neil, Mekia Cox, Bridget Regan, and Jenna Dewan.
The series, which premiered on October 16, 2018, has completed 126 episodes across seven seasons. Season 8 will continue to air after Will Trent Season 4 and alongside High Potential Season 2 on ABC’s Tuesday night schedule. Creator and showrunner Alexi Hawley renewed The Rookie for its eighth season in April 2025.
Nathan Fillion Returns to Green Lantern Universe for HBO Series
HBO announced in March 2025 that Nathan Fillion will play Guy Gardner in the upcoming Lanterns series, an eight-episode production from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Television (via Deadline). Fillion’s character was introduced to audiences in the Superman movie, which was released in theaters on July 11, 2025, before his appearance in the HBO series.
The Lanterns series features Kyle Chandler as veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as new recruit John Stewart, with both characters investigating a murder in the American heartland. Guy Gardner is described as a “gregarious, smug” member of the Green Lantern Corps, contrasting with the more serious tone of the lead characters. Fillion noted that the role required him to use profanity more than in his entire career combined (via Entertainment Weekly).
He previously voiced a different Green Lantern character, Hal Jordan, in six DC animated films between 2011 and 2019, including Green Lantern: Emerald Knights and The Death of Superman.
The Lanterns series began production in February 2025 under showrunner Chris Mundy, known for his work on Ozark, with creators Damon Lindelof and Tom King. HBO has not yet announced a premiere date for the series, but early 2026 is expected.
Which series are you most excited to watch: Nathan Fillion in The Rookie Season 8 or his Guy Gardner in Lanterns? Share your thoughts!
The Rookie Season 8 will premiere on January 6, 2026.
