Welcome Sean Gunn to the DCU as the actor and brother of James Gunn has been cast as Maxwell Lord.
Deadline first reports on the news but doesn’t know whether or not Sean Gunn will appear first as Maxwell Lord in Superman: Legacy or another project.
The site says Maxwell Lord will at least be referenced in the background of Superman: Legacy and will appear in future DCU projects. It’s further said a similar motif will occur for other characters in the new DC Universe, the first phase which is named Gods and Monsters: Chapter One.
Pedro Pascal recently played the character in Wonder Woman 1984.
In the comics, Maxwell Lord is known for his intelligence, business prowess, and manipulation skills. Initially portrayed as a powerful businessman, Maxwell Lord has often been depicted as a villain in the DC Universe. He’s a master manipulator with the ability to control minds, a skill that has caused significant conflicts with superheroes like the Justice League. In some storylines, his motivations are driven by a desire for power and control, leading to clashes with various heroes as they seek to thwart his plans.
Update: James Gunn confirms the casting. Comic book writer J.M. DeMatteiss responded to Deadline’s article noting, “Interesting news. But our Max was never a villain. I hope James goes with the Giffen-DeMatteis-Maguire version.” James Gunn responded, “Call Max a villain is a bit reductionist as far as I’m concerned. What do you say, @jm.dematteis?”
Known for Kraglin, Calendar Man
Sean Gunn played Kraglin for his brother in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies and also played the on-set version of Rocket Raccoon as filming took place.
James also cast his brother in The Suicide Squad as Calendar Man and Weasel, so Sean Gunn is another actor to carry over to the DCU along with Viola Davis as Amanda Waller and John Cena as Peacemaker.
Sean Gunn is also set to voice Weasel and GI Robot in the upcoming DCU Creatures Commandos animated series.
The actor was also featured in an episode of The Rookie which stars friend to James Gunn who is also cast in the DCU and Superman: Legacy, Nathan Fillion, as Green Lantern Guy Gardner.
Additional projects the brothers share include The Belko Project, Super, PG Porn, Lollipop Chainsaw, and Tromeo and Juliet.
Superman: Legacy gets released on their dad’s birthday
Superman: Legacy also shares the release date of the Gunn brothers’ father’s birthday, July 11. The film gets released in 2025 boasting a large cast.
David Corenswet stars as the new Man of Steel and Clark Kent, and Rachel Brosnahan is the new Lois Lane. Isabela Merced is playing Hawkgirl, Nathan Fillion is Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Edi Gathegi is playing Mister Terrific, and María Gabriela de Faría is playing The Engineer from The Authority described as a “villain,” with Anthony Carrigan cast as Metamorpho. Skyler Gisondo is also playing Jimmy Olsen, and Sara Sampaio Is Eve Teschmacher. Nicholas Hoult is also in talks for Lex Luthor, and Brainiac might also be in the movie. The cast will also include actors playing Jo-El, Lara-El, Ma and Pa Kent, Perry White, possibly the new Supergirl, and others.
Superman: Legacy is described as telling the story of Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. He is the embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.
