The DCU continues to expand as Deadline confirms that Sean Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) has been cast as Maxwell Lord in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new continuity.
Gunn will take over the role from Pedro Pascal, who played Maxwell Lord in 2020’s Wonder Woman 1984. Following his introduction in 1987, the character of Maxwell Lord has become a fixture in the DC world. The character, created by Keith Giffen, J. M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire, is often portrayed as a former Justice League comrade who later becomes an antagonist for Wonder Woman.
Although fan reaction to the casting has been varied. This is not Gunn’s first time in a superhero franchise. He frequently appears in his brother, James Gunn, superhero films. In the Suicide Squad, he played both Calendar Man and Weasel. Similarly, Sean Gunn appeared in multiple MCU films, including Thor: Love and Thunder, Guardians of the Galaxy 1-3, and Avengers: Endgame.
Maxwell Lord is Gunn’s third role in the DC Universe. He will reprise the role of Weasel in Creature Commandos and according to reports also voice the military android G.I. Robot. However, it’s unclear whether Gunn’s Maxwell Lord will make his feature debut in Superman: Legacy. Although he will apparently be mentioned in the background to help build up future appearances. Nonetheless, James and Peter appear to have big plans for Gunn’s Maxwell in the DCU, so fans will have to wait and see.
The DCU will officially kick off in 2024 on Max with the animated series Creature Commandos. Followed by Superman Legacy which will debut in theaters on July 11, 2025.