Sean Gunn Teases The Future For Maxwell Lord In The DCU [Exclusive]

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Sean Gunn is at his best when he’s allowed to be quirky and unconventional in his roles. He first gained recognition as the unusual Kirk on Gilmore Girls and has since appeared in many popular TV shows and films, often collaborating with his brother, director James Gunn. The two worked closely on the Guardians of the Galaxy movies: Sean performed the motion capture for Rocket Raccoon and also played Kraglin, Yondu’s loyal assistant.

Kraglin began as a minor character but evolved into a key part of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, eventually becoming a full team member. Sean Gunn, who plays Kraglin, also joined James Gunn in the new DC Universe, taking on prominent roles as the wild Weasel in The Suicide Squad and Creature Commandos, and the powerful Maxwell Lord in Superman and Peacemaker. During an interview with ComicBook at LVLUP Expo in Las Vegas, Gunn discussed both characters and hinted at exciting plans for Maxwell Lord‘s future in the DCU.

We’ve only seen a little bit of how you’re playing Maxwell Lord in Superman. Considering the vastness of the DC Universe, what other characters or storylines would you be most interested in exploring with Lord?

It’s hard to say much without giving anything away, but I’m really looking forward to seeing Maxwell Lord interact with the wider DC Universe. He’s had a hand in a lot of things, and he’s not just a billionaire – he’s incredibly wealthy, one of the richest people ever. That level of wealth gives him a lot of power, and I’m really interested in seeing how he chooses to use it going forward.

I’m fascinated by the people around characters like Maxwell Lord and how they see the world. Someone with that level of wealth has a unique perspective. I’m exploring whether there’s any genuine desire to do good within them, or if their wealth is just a means to gain power. We’re developing our own version of this character, taking inspiration from the comics but also forging a new direction. I’m eager to share our interpretation with viewers.

We continue our conversation with Sean Gunn, where we talked about the fun of playing Weasel, how Kraglin’s character developed throughout the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, and what his character, Kirk, would do at a gaming convention.

You’ve taken on many diverse characters throughout your career. What qualities or aspects of a role attract you and make you want to play it?

Every character is different, and that’s really what acting is all about. When I approach a role, I’m essentially trying to understand the character and find the right way to portray them authentically. I experiment with different approaches until I find something that feels both true to the character and comfortable for me to play. I can usually tell when a performance isn’t working if it doesn’t feel natural. It’s about discovering who this person is and really getting to grips with their personality, and that process is unique for every role.

Which character has surprised you the most?

I was really surprised by the character Weasel in the DC Universe. I played him in The Suicide Squad as a comedic character. It was a motion capture role, which I’m familiar with, and he’s a funny, strange, and unique character, but it felt like he was added to the story somewhat last minute.

I’m excited to reprise my role as him in Creature Commandos. He has a really detailed history, which makes the performance demanding. I still have to rely on his unique vocalizations – all the squawks, grunts, and shrieks. He’s a great example of a character who surprised me; he turned out to be very different from what I initially imagined.

Kraglin is a really interesting character with a lot of personality. Can you talk about how you first developed him, and how your vision for him changed throughout the movies?

When we started filming the first movie, I wasn’t entirely sure what direction Kraglin’s character would take. We experimented a lot on set, playing with the idea of him being either more threatening or more unhinged. The Ravagers weren’t exactly villains, but they definitely leaned towards villainous behavior. We were still figuring out who Kraglin was as a character. It wasn’t until I read the script for the second movie and discussed it with my brother that I truly understood his role.

We approached the story thinking of Kraglin as a devoted, son-like figure to Yondu. His story is very much about someone who feels overlooked, like the prodigal son returning home. While Quill gets a warm welcome back, Kraglin feels forgotten, having always been there. I connected with that feeling and enjoyed exploring it in his storyline.

You’ve collaborated with a lot of directors – what makes James different from the rest?

Honestly, working with James is the best part of what I do. Whenever a new project of his comes up, I instantly feel a weight lift – it’s incredibly comforting. It’s like reaching into your closet and grabbing that one perfectly worn-in, favorite t-shirt – just pure, easy satisfaction.

I really enjoy working with James. We’ve known each other since we were young, so I understand his process and how he likes to work. We have a great rapport and can communicate easily, which makes the whole experience incredibly fun – it’s actually one of the most enjoyable parts of my job.

I’ve got to ask — how do you think Kirk would respond to attending to something like LVLUP?

You know, I don’t really see him as a hardcore gamer, but I bet he’d absolutely love the costumes and the whole creative side of things! [Laughs] Honestly, it’s tough to say for sure. He just seems like someone who hasn’t really seen much of the world, you know? I think he’d be totally amazed by everything – just completely blown away.

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2026-04-30 02:11