Sean Gunn to play Maxwell Lord for DC Studios

The character was previously brought to screens by Pedro Pascal in ‘Wonder Woman 1984’

(Left) Sean Gunn as Kraglin in Marvel Studios' 'The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special,' exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jessica Miglio. © 2022 Marvel. (Right) DC Comics' Maxwell Lord. Photo: DC Comics.

Preview:

Seann Gunn will work again with filmmaker brother James Gunn.
He’ll play Maxwell Lord across several DC Studios projects.
The plan is reportedly to introduce him in the background of ‘Superman: Legacy’

We all know James Gunn likes working with friends and family he finds have talent. And among them, his brother Sean has turned out to be among the best.

He has played a variety of roles across the writer/director’s work but might be best known as both Kraglin and providing all the performance capture/initial acting as Rocket Raccoon on the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ trilogy.

Now, according to Deadline, Sean Gunn is taking a new role in the DC Studios universe (he previously played Weasel in ‘The Suicide Squad’, who pops up in animated series ‘Creature Commandos’).

But going forward, it appears he’ll be more known as human villain Maxwell Lord.

Superman

Not Yet RatedJul 11th, 2025

Superman, a cub reporter in Metropolis, embarks on a journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent. Read the Plot

Who is Maxwell Lord?

DC Comics' Maxwell Lord. Photo: DC Comics.

The character’s origins in the DC comic book universe date back to issue #1 of the 1987 ‘Justice League’ comic book series, created by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire. At first glance, he's a cunning businessman and an ally to the members of the Justice League, who was fundamental in orchestrating Justice League International. His unsuspecting charm even won over characters such as Blue Beetle and the Martian Manhunter.

But then, in ‘Justice League International’, issue #12, we learn that Lord had been doing the bidding of an evil computer in an attempt to replace all world leaders with robots. Though he did end up destroying the computer and breaking free from its influence, it wasn’t long before Lord became a powerful foe of his own accord: after gaining a metahuman ability in 1988’s
‘Invasion!’ limited series, Lord began to unleash his mind-control powers against humanity.

Pedro Pascal played the character in 2020’s ‘Wonder Woman 1984’, a businessman who discovers a powerful relic that can grant wishes and uses it to snatch power and influence for himself.

Pedro Pascal as Maxwell "Max Lord" Lorenzano in 'Wonder Woman 1984.' Photo: Warner Bros.

How will Maxwell Lord work in DC Studios movies?

Sean Gunn as Kraglin in Marvel Studios' 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.'

James Gunn has yet to officially confirm the news, though it’s a fair bet that he’ll keep on working with his brother. Deadline has heard that Sean Gunn’s Lord will be referenced in the background of ‘Superman: Legacy’ (which his brother is about to start directing, with David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Supes and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane).

He’ll have more of a role to play in future movies and, potentially, TV series.

What’s the story of ‘Superman: Legacy’?

(Left) David Corenswet in Netflix's 'The Politician.' (Right) Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video's 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.'

Little is truly known about the plotline at this point, but Gunn has been clear that he’s eschewing the usual exploding home planet Krypton/arrival in Smallville origin story (though those will likely be referenced) in favor of more of a workplace film with Clark showing up to work at the Planet, where Lois will already be an established reporting star.

Peter Safran said this about the new movie during the duo’s big announcement about DC films and series going forward:

“It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.”

When will ‘Superman: Legacy’ be in theaters?

According to James Gunn, the film remains on track to start shooting next year with a planned release of July 11th, 2025.

Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn and Superman.

(Left) Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn. Photo courtesy of James Gunn's Twitter account. (Right) Superman. Photo courtesy of DC Comics.com.