How Nice Guy Nathan Fillion Plays The Perfect Villain

Nathan Fillion is something of a national treasure (even if he is from Canada). The actor is probably best known from his recent work on the series Castle, but before that, Fillion was taking names and stealing hearts on series like Firefly and Desperate Housewives and in movies like Waitress and Much Ado About Nothing. With his Superman-like bone structure and million-dollar smirk, he was somewhat destined to be a leading man. How could anyone resist that square jaw? His performance as a kind (yet adulterous) OBGYN in Waitress is one that’s unforgettable; his eyes tell more of a story than most of the lines he has in the film. Despite these wonderful performances, Fillion’s at his best when he’s given something devious to do. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s enthralling.

Fillion’s first notable villainous turn was a short-lived role on frequent collaborator Joss Whedon‘s Buffy the Vampire Slayer. While his stint lasted only five episodes of the show’s final season, he arguably played one of the series’ most memorable bad guys. Fillion played Caleb, a defrocked priest-turned-serial-killer-turned-right-hand-man-of-the-First-Evil. This misogynistic, creepy priest harbored superhuman strength (like Buffy!) and effortlessly kills potential Slayers, beats Buffy and Faith, and eventually (horrifically) blinds one of the central characters of the Scooby Gang by sinking his thumb into an eye socket. He’s near impossible to kill, but when he finally does meet his demise, it’s bittersweet. (Well, completely sweet in the context of the show, but bitter for us viewers who love a good Big Bad). Fillion played Caleb with such a delightful wickedness and deranged sense of morality that it was impossible not to enjoy him in the role.

His next evil turn was not as cookie-cutter a villain as Caleb was; in another Whedon collaboration, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, Fillion played Captain Hammer, a stereotypical macho-man with a penchant for kicking around the little guy. This musical mini-series gained something of a cult following upon its release, despite not airing on television until a few years after its initial online debut. Hammer is set on taking down aspiring super-villain Dr. Horrible (Neil Patrick Harris), and steals his dream girl, too. Hammer’s ego could be compared to Gaston; he even sings a song at one point in which he flaunts his prowess and relationship. Fillion’s performance is so full of unabashed confidence and unique humor that it’s impossible not to enjoy his screen-time. The evolution of his character and, again, eventual demise, act as an even bigger showcase for his talents – Fillion must revel in these roles, because they’re seemingly a treat for him – and the audience.

The most recent chance we’ve had to see Fillion in his pernicious prime was on Netflix original series Santa Clarita Diet. Another short-lived tenure on the series still provided Fillion with a chance to show off his creep-tastic acting chops opposite Drew Barrymore. As real estate agent Gary West, he first appears to be affable, charming, and sympathetic (classic Fillion). He laughs with her, brings her flowers, and then – welp, he comes off as a totally selfish creep. He seriously hits on Barrymore, picks a bar fight with her husband, and is just a straight-up douche. He even gets a little rapey. All this doesn’t end up mattering, though, because Drew makes a meal outta him pretty quickly. The unabashed sleaziness Fillion is able to play makes his (stomach-churning) end mildly satisfying, but one episode is not nearly enough.

Whether he’s playing a bad guy or a charming gynecologist, Fillion has proven himself to be one of the most delightful surprises in any role he undertakes. There’s something exciting about him appearing in a film or show you don’t expect him to, because you know he’s going to deliver. We’d love to see him go bad a little more, though. It’s just too good to watch.