Major DCU Character Introduced in Superman May Not Be a Villain After All

In the revamped DC Universe, one of the intriguing supervillains introduced by James Gunn’s 2025 reboot of Superman could potentially be portrayed differently than initially perceived, hinted by the actor playing the character in that year’s Superman. This new take on Clark Kent (David Corenswet) faced formidable adversaries such as Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), Ultraman (also David Corenswet), and The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría). A fresh villain was also unveiled in Superman, set to be further explored in future projects. However, recent statements suggest this villain may not be as wicked as initially assumed.

In conversation with TheWrap at Fan Expo Chicago, I, Sean Gunn, shared that labeling the character as a villain isn’t my choice of words when delving into his personality for Superman. Instead, I perceive him as more intricate and nuanced than just a villain. I don’t find his actions problematic so far. Taking over from Peter Facinelli in Supergirl and Pedro Pascal in Wonder Woman 1984, my portrayal of Maxwell Lord is notably distinct.

How Will Sean Gunn’s Maxwell Lord Differ From the DCU’s Other Villains?

As a die-hard DC fan, I’ve noticed that Maxwell Lord isn’t on our screens much yet, but director James Gunn has already hinted at what sets him apart from the legendary antagonists of the DC Universe, like Lex Luthor. Intriguingly, he once said, “Let me tell you, I really don’t like Lex Luthor,” implying a rivalry between our corporations, LordTech and Luther Corp. However, unlike Luthor, who embodies the dark side of corporate greed, LordTech stands as an altruistic corporation striving to make this world a better place for everyone. I’m putting my faith in this Justice Gang to bring about positive change, and by doing so, I hope to prove that LordTech is genuinely committed to making the world a better place.

In the movie Superman, Maxwell Lord is portrayed laughing over Lex Luthor’s arrest at the film’s end, indicating their ongoing rivalry. Known as the founder of LordTech in DC Comics, he is typically depicted as an antagonist to Wonder Woman and the Justice League. However, in Superman, he serves as a benefactor for the Justice Gang consisting of Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and now Metamorpho. Although he may eventually transform into a villain in future DCU projects, his intricate nature and deeper dimensions set him apart from traditional bad guys, making him an enticing new character.

In the upcoming season 2 of “Peacemaker,” Sean Gunn’s character, Maxwell Lord, will rejoin the cast alongside original Justice Gang members. While the specifics of Lord’s arc are yet to be revealed, his fixation on controlling and manipulating superpowered beings poses potential threats to various characters in the DCU. Although Maxwell Lord is not solely a villain in the DC Universe, his covert actions could potentially lead to significant trouble.

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2025-08-21 14:10