Sean Gunn on Bringing Fan Favourite Characters to Life through Motion Capture
Image courtesy of Getty Images
Sean Gunn stands as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
From Kirk in Gilmore Girls to Kraglin in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Sean Gunn has built a uniquely diverse career. That’s without mentioning his showcase of cutting edge motion capture technology with performances as fan-favourite comic book characters Rocket Raccoon and Weasel.
At Monopoly Events’ Comic Con Wales, a long line of fans eagerly await the opportunity to meet the Hollywood star. Posters and figurines of Gunn’s most iconic characters are held by many who are waiting for an autograph and the chance to share their appreciation for the actor’s work. Gunn greets each and every fan with a warm smile.
In an exclusive interview with Regan Elis while appearing at the event, Gunn discussed the process of providing motion capture performances after having worked as a screen actor for several years.
Motion capture is the process of recording an actor’s movements, which are then used to animate a digital character. Rather than posing a challenge, this new technology felt natural to Gunn, who explained “I didn’t really have to learn any new skills because I approach it the same way I approach any role. I’m just embodying the character to the best of my ability.”
Sean Gunn providing the motion capture performance for Rocket Raccoon alongside Dave Bautista (Drax) behind the scenes of Guardians of the Galaxy
Image courtesy of Jay Maidment/Disney
Gunn expanded, “[Motion capture] is only more or less challenging in practice. It’s easier to get into wardrobe; for example when I’m playing Rocket [Raccoon], I’m just putting on a tracksuit. It’s much different to when I have two hours of makeup to play Kraglin.”
Sean Gunn portrays Kraglin in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Image courtesy of Marvel Studios
Gunn provides the performance for Rocket Raccoon in the longstanding Marvel film franchise. Making his debut in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy, directed by his brother James Gunn, every nuance of Sean’s performance is captured on screen. A full-body Lycra motion capture suit is worn to hold markers in place without constraining Gunn’s movements, which are tracked and replaced with visual effects.
Having starred in several Marvel films, Gunn made the leap into the DC universe, debuting as Weasel in 2021’s The Suicide Squad. Once again, James Gunn helmed the project, marking yet another close collaboration between the brothers. Weasel’s unpredictable and wild nature was essential to Sean’s motion capture performance.
The Suicide Squad cast prepare for a shot alongside director James Gunn (L to R: Sean Gunn, Pete Davidson, Mayling Ng, Flula Borg, James Gunn, Jai Courtney, Nathan Fillion, Michael Rooker, Joel Kinnaman)
Image courtesy of Jessica Migilo/Warner Brothers
The actor described Weasel as “a big, almost cartoonish character” who requires “precise movement.” The character soon became a fan favourite thanks to his outlandish physicality and dark backstory.
Computer generated character Weasel was a standout in 2021’s The Suicide Squad
Image courtesy of Warner Brothers
Comedic characters are a staple of James Gunn’s films and Sean never fails to provide a performance that hits the mark. Speaking on his relationship with his brother, Sean stated:
“My brother and I have been working together for a long time. He’s the older brother, I’m the younger brother, and also our jobs fit together really nicely. He’s a writer/director and I’m an actor, so the truth is that there’s actually nobody that I like working with more than him. It’s very comfortable.”
Director James Gunn guides his brother Sean’s performance
Image courtesy of Jessica Migilo/Warner Brothers
James is set to launch a new cinematic universe as Co-Chairman of DC Studios, alongside producer Peter Safran. Sean will reprise his role as Weasel in the upcoming animated Creature Commandos TV series, where he’ll also be voicing a new character, G.I. Robot.
As far as the big screen goes, Deadline has reported that Sean will star as Maxwell Lord in 2025’s Superman – a powerful, threatening businessman; a role hugely contrasting his previous comedic performances.
Gunn’s appearance at Comic Con Wales was a highlight for the long line of fans. Their enjoyment was certainly reciprocated by Gunn, who grinned, “people have been wonderful!”
With Creature Commandos and Superman on the horizon, one thing is certain: Gunn will continue to entertain moviegoers and fans alike. Optimistic for the future, he stated, “one thing that I’ve definitely found is that when you try to steer things a certain way, it’ll probably go a totally different direction, so I tend to just take what comes to me.”
Gunn’s approach has clearly worked in his favour, providing him with the opportunity to display his talents in a variety of genres, from hit sitcoms to box-office sensation sci-fi flicks. With Creature Commandos premiering on Max on December 5th, fans won’t have to wait long to see what his next chapter holds.
Stream Creature Commandos on Max from December 5th
Image courtesy of Max