Creature Commandos: James Gunn Says Weasel’s Story is Saddest Thing He’s Ever Written

As someone who has always been deeply moved by stories that delve into the complexities of misunderstood characters, I was absolutely captivated by James Gunn’s latest project, particularly the heart-wrenching episode “Chasing Squirrels” from Max’s animated series Creature Commandos. The tragic origin of Weasel, a character introduced in The Suicide Squad, resonated with me on a profound level.

In a recent development, it’s been revealed that the fourth installment of James Gunn’s current project takes an emotionally affecting turn. This twist unveils the sorrowful backstory of a character initially presented by him in The Suicide Squad. Reflecting on this episode titled “Chasing Squirrels” from Max’s animated series Creature Commandos, Gunn expressed to Variety that he believed he had written one of the saddest pieces in his entire career while in Colorado with his wife.

The episode ultimately reveals that Weasel, who was thought to have murdered 27 children, was unjustly accused all along. This is what Gunn implies when he says about the character’s debut in his 2021 movie, “I didn’t know the details, but I always sensed it wasn’t fair.

The story unfolds in a series of flashbacks, starting with the moment a mysterious creature emerges from the woods, where it observes children enjoying their holiday break at school. The origin of this creature is left unclear, but the children instinctively perceive its kind-hearted disposition and welcoming attitude. Their fun-filled encounters are cut short when an older person passing by sees the scene, fueled by unwarranted fear of the big, shaggy figure. In a rush, this individual races to their nearby home to alert authorities and fetch a weapon.

While exploring, the kids stumble upon an open door to a structure. They venture inside, drawing the creature along with them for their playtime. Eventually, they end up in the building’s lower maintenance section. Unfortunately, a chain of events unfolds: someone left alcohol unattended and there was an accidental spark igniting flammable items, leading to a fire. As an older person arrives and starts shooting, the fire breaks out simultaneously.

The powerful blast ends his life, along with the kids, save for one young girl. At this point, police investigate the basement and discover the monster among the casualties, frantically trying to save the remaining child as the fire consuming the structure continues to expand.

In “The Suicide Squad,” Sean Gunn, who voices Weasel and previously portrayed the character using motion capture, approached his role in a distinctive manner under the guidance of his brother James. As Sean describes, “Weasel doesn’t express himself through dialogue.” However, for pet enthusiasts who understand their dogs have deep emotional lives, they can empathize with Weasel as he faces challenges. This creates a relatable character while still presenting something fresh and unique. It’s filled with sorrow and sadness, yet also showcases elements that are rarely seen on television.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but share an interesting behind-the-scenes tidbit from one of my favorite episodes. The climactic sequence was no small feat; it took numerous recording sessions for us to perfectly capture the emotional intensity that we aimed for. In our initial attempt, I must admit, I wasn’t quite at my best, and the scream fell woefully short of what was truly needed. However, upon returning to the studio, we knew that we had to give it another go – to give the scene the impact it deserved.

Executive producer Dean Lorey admits the struggle in presenting such delicate subject matter: “We underwent numerous revisions of that entire scene. It was tough to strike the perfect balance, finding just the right tone for it. Our aim was to evoke the emotion and terror of the situation, but we were careful not to cross the line into sensationalism.

For James Gunn, the episode represents his ongoing journey delving into complex and misjudged characters. As he puts it, “Weasel, in many aspects, emerges as the most honorable character in the series.” He further elaborates that this is a being who, despite appearing different from others, is often mistreated due to these differences.

It seems that the tale carries wider significance for the series, as Gunn hints that the character’s past will become crucial in upcoming episodes. In terms of a moral spectrum running from good to evil, he’s clearly leaning towards the virtuous end.

Sean Gunn points out that although his brother’s creations frequently incorporate somber aspects, this specific narrative is particularly striking: “James possesses a certain darkness, and much of his work reflects this.” Nevertheless, the unique details surrounding Weasel’s misfortune introduced a fresh dimension to their decades-long creative partnership, which originated in the mid-1990s.

2024-12-22 18:10

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