As the DC Universe continues its transformation under James Gunn’s leadership, fans are eager to see how the franchise reinterprets iconic characters.
Among the most intriguing is Maxwell Lord, a morally complex antagonist set to be portrayed by Sean Gunn in the rebooted DCU. Gunn, best known for his roles in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, recently shared insights into how his portrayal will differ from Pedro Pascal’s performance in ‘Wonder Woman 1984’.
Sean Gunn’s Maxwell Lord Will Be A Different Beast Than Pedro Pascal’s Version
In an interview, Sean Gunn offered a glimpse into what makes his take on the character unique. Additionally, he also hinted at how Maxwell Lord’s comic roots will play a bigger role in shaping this version of the villain When asked about the differences between his interpretation and Pascal’s, Gunn emphasized that the distinction begins with the actors themselves.
“I can tell you that the one obvious thing is it’s me playing the role,” he said. “It doesn’t just mean I’m going to give a different interpretation. Your own body is the vessel for what you’re doing, so obviously…no one is gonna confuse me and Pedro Pascal’s performance.”
He acknowledged Pascal’s impressive turn as the power-hungry Lord in ‘Wonder Woman 1984’. However, he also noted that his own portrayal will tread entirely new ground. “What he does in that movie is not really relevant to anything that I’m doing,” he explained. Moreover, James Gunn’s creative direction plays a pivotal role in shaping this reimagined Maxwell Lord.
Sean noted that his brother has encouraged him to draw inspiration from the original comic book material. In the comics, Maxwell Lord begins as a well-meaning ally to superheroes, only to embrace darker ambitions later in his story. Known for his cunning and mastery of mind control, Lord has clashed with the Justice League and other heroes. This version, according to Sean Gunn, will likely align more closely with that original vision.
What Lies Ahead for Maxwell Lord In The DCU?
Hints about Maxwell Lord’s role in the DCU have already emerged. On-set photos from the upcoming ‘Superman’ film showcased the “LordTech” logo, suggesting his presence as a prominent businessman in the universe. Speculation is rife that LordTech could serve as a central hub for various heroes.
In case you missed it: James Gunn Hints At ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ Reunion In DC Universe
This includes Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrific, who all reportedly work for the company. Given Maxwell Lord’s trajectory in the comics, his eventual descent into villainy seems inevitable. Moreover, while ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ leaned heavily into a fantastical take on the character, this iteration might explore his more subtle tactics.
