Since James Gunn took charge of DC Films and launched the new DC Universe (DCU), he has made significant changes to several characters, diverging from the previous era led by Zack Snyder. One character who has particularly caught fans off guard is Maxwell Lord, whose portrayal has sparked notable discussion among viewers familiar with his darker comic book versions. Fans following Superman and Peacemaker have seen a different side of Lord, which reflects Gunn’s fresh approach to the DCU.
Maxwell Lord has appeared only briefly on screen, but his presence is impactful. In Superman, LordTech, his corporate entity, is referenced as the financial supporter behind the Justice Gang. In Peacemaker Season 2’s opening episode, Lord interviews Peacemaker for possible inclusion in the Justice Gang. Unlike past depictions of Maxwell Lord—especially Pedro Pascal’s villainous version in Wonder Woman 1984—Gunn’s portrayal shows Lord as a generally upright character. To clarify any confusion, Gunn addressed the character’s evolution and his intention to draw from Lord’s original, more nuanced comic book incarnation.
Max was retconned as a sort of muscular evildoer after originally being conceived by @jm.dematteis as a multi-layered character who was morally gray,
Gunn wrote.
Along with skinny Amanda Waller, it wasn’t one of my favorite comic reimaginings. Our Max is inspired by the originally version. So don’t be waiting for him to shoot Blue Beetle in the face.
—James Gunn
The Complex Comic Book History of Maxwell Lord
Created by Keith Giffen, J. M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire in 1987, Maxwell Lord first appeared in Justice League #1. Born into privilege, Lord was influenced by his father’s dedication to using power responsibly. However, after his father’s suicide—triggered by guilt over their company producing a harmful carcinogen—Maxwell’s mother encouraged him to continue the legacy of making ethical decisions. This led to Lord becoming a key figure in forming a new Justice League, financially backing the team and acting as a morally intricate ally.
Maxwell Lord’s character shifted dramatically in the 2000s during the Countdown to Infinite Crisis storyline. His backstory was rewritten to reveal him as a seasoned villain who covertly gathered intelligence on superheroes and sabotaged the Justice League to undermine their credibility. This version of Lord shocked fans with his ruthless actions, notably when he fatally shot his former friend and Justice League teammate Blue Beetle, Ted Kord. This act was a catalyst for the Infinite Crisis event, a significant storyline that culminated in Wonder Woman killing Lord to stop his destructive plans.
Recently, Lord has reappeared in the DC Comics series The New Gods, written by Ram V and illustrated by Evan Cagle and others, featured as part of the DC All In initiative including Absolute comics. In this series, Lord is again a full villain, marked by Darkseid, pushing his menacing legacy forward.
Why James Gunn’s Take on Maxwell Lord Differs from Traditional Villainy
In contrast to these dark portrayals, James Gunn’s version of Maxwell Lord more closely aligns with the character’s original morally gray persona. By avoiding the overly villainous traits, Gunn allows Lord to retain complexity and tension, especially as the Justice Gang evolves. This nuanced portrayal positions Lord as a businessman operating in shades of gray, rather than a clear-cut antagonist, which enriches the DCU’s character tapestry.
This morally ambiguous take also contrasts sharply with the character of Lex Luthor, who represents a more traditionally defined billionaire villain. Placing these two powerful men on different sides of the ethical spectrum adds depth to the DC Universe, making it more dynamic and unpredictable. It provides fertile ground for narratives that explore rivalry, alliance, and conflict among multifaceted characters.
Maxwell Lord’s Role in the Justice Gang and Future DCU Storylines
Maxwell Lord’s involvement as the financial and strategic backer of the Justice Gang hints at his growing importance within the DCU. As the Justice Gang is expected to develop into the iconic Justice League, Lord’s ambiguous morality can drive intriguing storylines that explore loyalty, influence, and power. His less villainous characterization opens opportunities for more layered interactions with heroes and villains alike.
The complex interplay between Maxwell Lord and other characters like Lex Luthor suggests that future DCU stories will emphasize character development and moral conflict over straightforward hero-versus-villain battles. Gunn’s approach may redefine Maxwell Lord’s legacy on screen and offer fresh narrative possibilities in the expanding universe.
What This Means for Fans and the DC Universe Moving Forward
James Gunn’s decision to lean into Maxwell Lord’s original morally gray persona challenges fan expectations, creating space for richer storytelling and character exploration. By drawing on Lord’s multifaceted history rather than his later, villain-heavy portrayals, Gunn positions the DCU for a more complex exploration of ethics and power.
This creative choice underscores the evolving nature of the DC Universe under Gunn’s leadership, signaling that familiar characters may not follow established patterns but will instead be reexamined to fit the tone and themes of the new era. As viewers continue to watch Maxwell Lord’s role unfold, they can expect to see a character who blurs the conventional boundaries of hero and villain, adding unpredictability and depth to the DCU.
