DCU Maxwell Lord Depicted Ambiguously by Sean Gunn Amid Lex Luthor Conflict

Maxwell Lord, portrayed by Sean Gunn in the DC Universe (DCU), is depicted as a more nuanced character than a traditional villain, especially when compared to Superman's primary antagonist, Lex Luthor. James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios and Sean Gunn’s brother, has emphasized that calling Maxwell Lord a villain is reductionist, highlighting Lord’s altruistic corporate goals through LordTech, which contrasts with Luthor's greed-driven corporation. Maxwell Lord funds the Justice Gang, a superhero team aimed at making the world better, reflecting his more complex and sometimes benevolent motivations. Sean Gunn agrees with this interpretation, stating that his portrayal does not currently treat Lord as 'evil incarnate' but acknowledges the character’s potential to evolve in the future. The DCU plans to explore Maxwell Lord across various genres and projects, including his upcoming role in Peacemaker Season 2, showcasing the franchise’s approach to diverse storytelling within a shared universe. Overall, the character is positioned as a significant and evolving figure within the DCU’s corporate and metahuman power struggles.