Nathan Fillion knows the danger of being typecast, but The Rookie helped him dodge a career-killing stereotype. While some actors get stuck in one iconic role, Fillion made sure he didn’t become just that guy from Castle. Instead, he proved his range, keeping his career fresh and unpredictable.
But breaking free from a fan-favorite character isn’t easy — so how did The Rookie change the game for him?
Nathan Fillion defies sci-fi typecasting, proving his career is more than just one genre
Nathan Fillion may be a sci-fi fan favorite, but don’t box him in just yet. The Firefly and Slither star knows he’s often labeled as a sci-fi guy, but he’s got a message for fans: his career is way bigger than that. Fillion once told Games Radar,
People who think I’m just in the sci-fi genre are just simply not familiar with my other work.
I’ve spent far more time doing everything except for sci-fi! So I’m glad that they watch it and I’m glad they’re a fan, but I then remind them of the three years I spent on a soap opera, the time I’ve spent doing drama, comedy, a sitcom. That’s five and a half years right there! You only got one slice of the pie – it’s an awesome pie! Go have more pie!
He’s done it all — drama, comedy, soap operas, sitcoms. Of course, Fillion loves the genre. From voicing Green Lantern in animated DC films to stepping into the role again in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman, sci-fi has been good to him.
But even with years of comic cons and fandom love, he refuses to be stuck in one lane. He alluded (per Cheatsheet),
There’s challenges, they’re just on a different level, and probably more emotional or cerebral…I would hate to have to only do sci-fi, I would hate to have to only do horror. I’d be grateful if I continued to work in horror for the rest of my life. I would be grateful, thank you.
I would love to be employed for the rest of my life… But what I would want to do is things that would frighten me, things that would scare me. I’ve never done that before, can I do that, can I show them that I can do it? It becomes about just wanting to be better and wanting to be good.
For Fillion, acting isn’t about coasting; it’s about pushing himself. Whether it’s cracking cases in The Rookie or charming fans in Castle, he’s here to prove he’s more than just a genre actor. And if anyone still doubts him? They might just need a bigger slice of the pie.
Nathan Fillion confirms Monica and Oscar’s return to The Rookie season 7
Looks like The Rookie is bringing back some familiar troublemakers. Nathan Fillion confirmed that Monica (Bridget Regan) and Oscar (Matthew Glave) will return to stir up chaos in Season 7. Fillion teased, adding that Monica is back to cause more trouble (via TVInsider),
We’re going to revisit some villains that we’ve met in the past. Bridget, who plays Monica so very well. God, I just love hating that character. She’ll be back causing more trouble.
And as for Oscar, he alluded,
And of course Matthew Glave who’s going to come in and play Oscar; he’s been around since Season 2. He’ll charm you. He will entertain you. He seems so funny and harmless, but do not turn your back lest he stab you literally. He will be back.
This aligns with what executive producer Alexi Hawley hinted at earlier — fans won’t get quick resolutions to those loose ends. With Jason (Steve Kazee) now dead, Bailey (Jenna Dewan) may be physically safe, but emotionally? That’s a whole other story.
One thing’s for sure: The Rookie isn’t done with its villains just yet.
Watch The Rookie on Hulu & Apple TV.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
