While Nathan Fillion has spent nearly a decade playing a police officer on The Rookie, it is unlikely that he would ever seriously impersonate an officer of the law. However, that does not mean he is above assuming the identity of another actor to avoid a speeding ticket—even Jason Bateman.
During The Rookie’s Season 9 panel at San Diego Comic-Con, Fillion shared his amusing account of the encounter. According to the actor, the officer recognized him but could not quite remember his name.
Nathan Fillion – Jimmy Kimmel Live
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“I didn’t have my ID,” Fillion admitted. “He said, ‘I recognize you’re an actor.’ I said, ‘Yes, I’m actually pretty good.’”
As the story continued, it became apparent that Fillion may also have strong instincts for improvisation.
Nathan Fillion Signs Jason Bateman’s Name
The officer offered Fillion an unusual deal. Rather than issue him a ticket, he would let the actor leave with a warning if Fillion signed an autograph for his wife.
“If you give my wife an autograph, I’ll let you off with a warning,” the officer reportedly said.
Fillion happily accepted the offer and asked for the woman’s name. The officer told him her name was Lily before calling to share the surprise.
However, as Fillion began writing the message, he overheard the officer incorrectly identify him.
“Then I heard him say, ‘Hey honey, I’m getting you an autograph. It’s Jason Bateman,’” Fillion explained.
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Rather than embarrass the officer—or jeopardize his warning—Fillion played along with the mistake. He completed the autograph by writing, “All my love, Jason Bateman.”
Jason Bateman – The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, YouTube
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The admission drew laughter from the Comic-Con audience. Fillion previously told a version of the story during a 2021 appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Reflecting on the experience for Clarkson, Fillion said, “Everyone came out a winner. I’m happy. The officer is happy. I bet you, imagine, somewhere, Jason Bateman’s happy too.”
Bateman, however, has never publicly commented on Fillion’s story.
The Rookie Stars Get Mixed Results
Fillion was not the only cast member on the Comic-Con panel to admit that appearing on the police drama has affected a real traffic stop.
Deric Augustine said an officer recently pulled him over because of his vehicle’s tinted windows. After recognizing Augustine from The Rookie, the officer allowed him to leave without a ticket.
Lisseth Chavez had a less fortunate experience. The actress said she was pulled over while driving on California’s Pacific Coast Highway but still received a ticket despite appearing on the popular series.
Nathan Fillion Is No Rookie at Playing Lawmen
Fillion has portrayed John Nolan on The Rookie since the ABC procedural premiered in 2018. Nolan joined the Los Angeles Police Department later in life, becoming its oldest rookie officer and forcing him to prove himself to his younger colleagues.
Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner in Superman – YouTube, DC
The Rookie is not Fillion’s only experience portraying a member of law enforcement. He also holds the distinction of playing two Green Lanterns, members of DC’s intergalactic police force. Fillion voiced Hal Jordan in several DC animated films before joining James Gunn’s DCU as Guy Gardner.
For now, however, Fillion’s most unsung performance may be the time he played Jason Bateman for an audience of one—and avoided a speeding ticket in the process.
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