Sean Gunn Takes on the Villainous Role of Maxwell Lord in James Gunn’s DC Universe Revamp

Sean Gunn, recognized for his contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is embarking on a new adventure within the DC Universe. Deadline has disclosed that the versatile actor is set to embody the role of Maxwell Lord in an upcoming project orchestrated by his brother, James Gunn. The exact unveiling of this villainous rendition is currently veiled in uncertainty, with potential introductions in Superman: Legacy, The Authority, or Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow—projects looming on the horizon. Notably, Pedro Pascal recently portrayed Maxwell Lord in Wonder Woman 1984, presenting a different facet of the character.
James Gunn, the visionary architect behind the DC Universe’s renaissance, is amplifying the intrigue surrounding this latest iteration of Maxwell Lord. As Superman: Legacy takes center stage as the inaugural installment in the upcoming franchise, scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, the involvement of Sean Gunn in this project holds promise. While the specific appearance of Maxwell Lord in Superman: Legacy is yet to be confirmed, the film serves as the foundational cornerstone for an interconnected universe.
In the event Maxwell Lord’s debut is not within Superman: Legacy, alternative possibilities arise within The Authority—a cinematic venture featuring a band of independently operating heroes. The challenge with The Authority lies in their indifference towards consequences as long as their actions align with their moral compass. Release dates for this film remain undisclosed, as James Gunn and Peter Safran fine-tune the launch strategy for the entire franchise. Maxwell Lord’s introduction is not confined to a single avenue, offering multiple platforms for his inaugural appearance.
The inception of the DC Universe’s opening chapter, titled Gods and Monsters, revealed James Gunn’s vision of maintaining consistency across films, television series, and video games by having actors reprise their roles. Sean Gunn, acclaimed for his portrayal of Kraglin in James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, could seamlessly transition into the role of Maxwell Lord. The forthcoming Creature Commandos animated series in 2024 might serve as a precursor before his live-action debut. The unfolding narrative will determine where this formidable villain, endowed with the power to manipulate minds, will make his first chilling impact within the brand-new DC Universe.