Exploring Sean Gunn's Superhero Roles in Marvel & DC Movies

Sean Gunn made his debut in a DC or Marvel project with Guardians of the Galaxy. Over the past decade, he has built an impressive resume in both superhero franchises. Prior to his role in Guardians of the Galaxy, Gunn was mainly recognized for playing Kirk on Gilmore Girls. He also appeared in some of James Gunn's earlier works, such as Super. Despite not being a complete newcomer, Gunn's ability to land numerous roles in major superhero franchises in a relatively short period is commendable.

While it's true that Sean Gunn's brother, James Gunn, has played a part in helping him secure some of these roles, both DC and Marvel are major studios with significant influence over their projects. If Gunn had not delivered strong performances, he likely would not have continued to be cast in these films, regardless of his brother's connections. Gunn's effective comedic timing and physical acting have demonstrated that he is a fitting addition to these high-budget franchises.

Sean Gunn Played Rocket Raccoon On Set

Sean Gunn Played Rocket On Set In The Guardians Of The Galaxy Trilogy

Rocket Raccoon flying ship in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 - Sean Gunn Played Rocket On Set In The Guardians Of The Galaxy Trilogy - Sean Gunn Played Rocket Raccoon On Set

Creating Rocket Raccoon for the Guardians of the Galaxy movies involved a lot of effort. Besides Bradley Cooper providing the voice, visual effects artists played a crucial role. Additionally, Sean Gunn contributed by portraying Rocket on set. He would wear blue or green suits that could be edited out later, but he did more than just stand in place. Behind-the-scenes footage reveals Gunn walking alongside the other Guardians or participating in scenes like setting up the prison escape in the first movie.

Sean Gunn has also played Rocket's best friend, Groot. Having Gunn on set as Rocket likely helped the other actors connect better with Rocket in emotional scenes. One scene where Gunn was on set is when Rocket is crying over Groot's destroyed body in Guardians of the Galaxy. Footage from the scene shows Gunn fully acting out the scene, despite knowing he wouldn't end up on camera. Putting in this kind of effort for the benefit of his co-star in the scene, Dave Bautista, shows Gunn's contributions as Rocket weren't simply as a placeholder.

Sean Gunn Did Somoe Motion Capture For Groot In The Guardians Of The Galaxy Trilogy

Original Groot, Baby Groot, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3's Groot in the MCU - Sean Gunn Did Somoe Motion Capture For Groot In The Guardians Of The Galaxy Trilogy - Sean Gunn Has Also Played Rocket's Best Friend, Groot

Sean Gunn not only helped bring Rocket Raccoon to the big screen but also provided motion capture work for Groot behind the scenes as one of the actors. Although his work as Groot was not as extensive as Rocket, it was essential for providing a visual reference for the character, as Groot did not require as much emotional performance. This means that Sean Gunn played two original Guardians in some capacity.

James Gunn, another member of the Gunn family, also performed motion capture for Groot, specifically for Groot's dance scenes. This tradition started with the end of Guardians of the Galaxy and continued all the way to the final dance scene in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Sean Gunn Was Briefly DC's Calendar Man

Sean Gunn Played Calendar Man In The Suicide Squad (2021)

Calendar Man tanunting Polka-Dot man in The Suicide Squad - Sean Gunn Played Calendar Man In The Suicide Squad (2021) - Sean Gunn Was Briefly DC's Calendar Man

Sean Gunn had a short but memorable role in The Suicide Squad as Calendar Man, a lesser-known Batman villain. In just a brief appearance, he added a lot of personality to the character. By teasing Polka-Dot Man, he quickly established Calendar Man's comedic side and set the tone for the tough environment of Belle Reve prison.

Sean Gunn's Role as Calendar Man in the DC Universe

Calendar Man has been portrayed as a darker villain in recent years, but Sean Gunn's portrayal stays true to the character's earlier, more humorous versions. Despite this, Sean Gunn is set to replace Pedro Pascal as Maxwell Lord in the DC Universe. Although it is unlikely that Gunn will reprise his role as Calendar Man, his brief appearance left a lasting impression with a memorable line and a good laugh.

Sean Gunn Has Been Cast As Mawell Lord In The DCU

Sean Gunn as Kraglin in Guardians of the Galaxy and Maxwell Lord in DC Comics - Sean Gunn Has Been Cast As Mawell Lord In The DCU - Sean Gunn Will Replace Pedro Pascal As Maxwell Lord

Sean Gunn is unlikely to return as Calendar Man because he has been cast as Maxwell Lord in the DCU. Maxwell Lord is a smart business person who helped form Justice League International, but later became a villain. With other Justice League International members like Metamorpho and Guy Gardner appearing in the upcoming Superman movie, Gunn's version of Maxwell Lord could follow a similar storyline.

In Wonder Woman 1984, Pedro Pascal played Maxwell Lord as the main antagonist. This version portrayed him as more of a struggling con man, a slight departure from his usual characterization. As the DCU draws inspiration from DC Comics, Gunn's portrayal of Maxwell Lord is likely to be more faithful to the source material. Since Maxwell Lord has also been a villain in the Wonder Woman comics, Gunn may eventually face off against the DCU's version of the character.

Sean Gunn's Kraglin Became A Guardian Of The Galaxy

Sean Gunn Played Kraglin In The Guardians Of The Galaxy Trilogy

Kraglin with Yondu's Yaka Arrow in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 - Sean Gunn Played Kraglin In The Guardians Of The Galaxy Trilogy - Sean Gunn's Kraglin Became A Guardian Of The Galaxy

Sean Gunn not only played Rocket Raccoon on set but also took on the role of Kraglin in the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. Starting out as just a member of Yondu's Ravager crew in the first film, Gunn's character, Kraglin, had a more significant role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Eventually, he even became a part of the team in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Kraglin's storyline throughout the trilogy was unexpected, as it was not originally planned that way.

Sean Gunn Plays One Of DC's Strangest Characters, Weasel

During a conversation with Collider, James Gunn revealed that Kraglin was not originally intended to have a significant role in the Guardians of the Galaxy films. Sean Gunn ended up playing the character because he was already on set portraying Rocket, which was a cost-saving decision. However, Kraglin's role expanded in the later movies as his storyline became more intertwined with Yondu and the rest of the Guardians.

Sean Gunn Plays Weasel In The Suicide Squad (2021) And Creature Commandos (2024)

Weasel walking in front of the American flag in The Suicide Squad - Sean Gunn Plays Weasel In The Suicide Squad (2021) And Creature Commandos (2024) - Sean Gunn Plays One Of DC's Strangest Characters, Weasel

Sean Gunn not only played Calendar Man in The Suicide Squad, but also took on the role of Weasel. Similar to his work on Rocket, Gunn did motion capture for Weasel. In addition, Gunn provides the voice for Weasel, although it mainly involves making animalistic noises.

Although it appeared that Weasel had died in The Suicide Squad, a post-credits scene revealed that he had actually survived. Audiences can look forward to seeing more of the character, as he is set to appear in Creature Commandos. Gunn will continue to voice Weasel in Creature Commandos, as well as potentially in other DCU projects in the future.

Sean Gunn Provided The Motion Capture For Thanos

Sean Gunn Did Motion Capture For Thanos In Guadians Of The Galaxy (2014)

Thanos in his throne in Guardians of the Galaxy - Sean Gunn Did Motion Capture For Thanos In Guadians Of The Galaxy (2014) - Sean Gunn Provided The Motion Capture For Thanos

Sean Gunn did motion capture not only for Rocket Raccoon but also for Thanos in the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie. Despite Thanos having a minor role in the film, it was cool that Gunn got to briefly portray one of the MCU's most iconic villains. Gunn's dual roles on set as Rocket and Thanos ultimately led to him landing the job as Kraglin.

Sean Gunn Will Voice GI Robot In The First DCU Project

Sean Gunn Plays GI Robot In Creature Commandos (2024)

A close-up of GI Robot from promotional art for DC's Creature Commandos - Sean Gunn Plays GI Robot In Creature Commandos (2024) - Sean Gunn Will Voice GI Robot In The First DCU Project

In Creature Commandos, Sean Gunn continues his tradition of taking on multiple roles. One of these roles includes providing the voice for GI Robot, a powerful robot soldier with super strength and built-in weapons from DC Comics. Just like Weasel, GI Robot has the exciting potential to appear in other DCU projects. James Gunn has expressed his desire for animated shows to seamlessly interact with live-action DCU projects too.

When Sean Gunn was cast as three characters in the DCU, some people were surprised. This caused James Gunn to explain a statement he had made about not casting actors for multiple roles. He clarified that this rule does not apply to voice talent. Therefore, actors who work on DCU animated projects can take on multiple roles. As a result, Sean Gunn may be playing several of the Creature Commandos, but the only human character he is expected to portray in live-action is Maxwell Lord.

Editor's P/S:

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Sean Gunn's impressive career in superhero franchises, highlighting his versatility and contributions to both DC and Marvel projects. It is evident that Gunn's talent and dedication have played a significant role in his success, regardless of his familial connections.

Gunn's ability to portray multiple characters within the same franchise, such as Rocket Raccoon and Kraglin in "Guardians of the Galaxy," demonstrates his range as an actor. His physical acting and comedic timing have made him a valuable asset to these high-budget productions. Additionally, his behind-the-scenes work as a motion capture artist and voice actor showcases his commitment to creating immersive and engaging experiences for audiences.