James Gunn‘s role at DC Studios has garnered significant praise, particularly from his long-time collaborator and indie film legend Lloyd Kaufman during San Diego Comic-Con 2025. Gunn’s work on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy showcased his ability to translate comic book heroes into compelling live-action narratives. However, his roots lie in the thriving B-movie scene at Troma Entertainment, renowned for classics like The Toxic Avenger.
During an interview at Comic-Con, ScreenRant‘s Ash Crossan sat down with Kaufman, who reflected on Gunn’s early days at Troma. While Kaufman acknowledged Gunn’s academic credentials, he emphasized that it was Gunn’s dedication to his craft that set him apart from the beginning. Here’s a glimpse into Kaufman’s insights:
Ash Crossan: “Lloyd, when I think about Troma, I was just thinking about this, one of the people that got their starts at Troma was Mr. James Gunn, who has one of the biggest movies out right now with Superman. I’m curious what it’s been like for you watching his journey to today.”
Lloyd Kaufman: “Well, I knew he was talented because the resume which I got had something on it. It wasn’t the fact that he had an MA from Columbia University or that he had written a novel. Everybody does that. But he said that he was a performance artist who vomited on stage, and it was like, ‘That’s our —.’
Peter Dinklage: “Give me that guy!”
Lloyd Kaufman: “Yeah. But any rate, it was amazing. How lucky are we all that this has happened? Let me tell you. It’s incredible. It’s wonderful, Ash. Really.”
James Gunn Stays True to His Troma Roots
At Troma, Gunn honed his skills in writing, directing, and producing, often with very limited resources. Co-writing Tromeo and Juliet allowed him to absorb the studio’s punk-rock ethos, nurturing a unique talent for blending gore, humor, and emotional depth. These elements have become hallmarks of his style, now evident in his latest projects, including Superman.
Gunn’s knack for bringing bizarre and unconventional characters to life—think Peacemaker and Rocket Raccoon—originates from Troma’s focus on the outsider experience. During his time there, he’s learned to embrace absurdity in storytelling. Today, this talent is evident as he introduces lesser-known characters like Metamorpho and Lex Luthor’s “Mister Handsome” in the DC Universe, capturing audience interest in the process.
James Gunn’s Troma Roots Are Central to the DCU
The essence of James Gunn’s Troma background will undoubtedly influence the identity of the DC Universe (DCU), even in projects he doesn’t direct. With films like Superman and the upcoming Creature Commandos, Gunn is crafting a bold, interconnected universe that celebrates the whimsical and the strange. This extravagant approach keeps the spirit of Troma alive at a blockbuster scale.
Anticipated DCU projects, such as Booster Gold, Clayface, and Swamp Thing, provide fertile ground for his unique storytelling perspective, allowing them to reflect Gunn’s cinematic roots while maintaining stylistic ties to Superman. As the architect of the DCU, Gunn empowers creators to embrace narratives that marry the bizarre with emotional complexity.
The first chapter of the DCU, titled “Gods and Monsters,” perfectly encapsulates Gunn’s Troma origins. The name alone evokes Troma’s signature theme of monstrous outcasts possessing a hidden heart of gold, a notion that resonates throughout Gunn’s interpretation of god-like beings in the DC Universe.