James Gunn‘s DC Studios role is praised by his long-time collaborator and B-movie legend Lloyd Kaufman at San Diego Comic-Con 2025. James Gunn’s work on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy tested his skills at translating comic book heroes to live-action. But before that, Gunn built a career in the B-movie scene at Troma, best known for their Toxic Avenger movies.
At San Diego Comic-Con 2025, ScreenRant‘s Ash Crossan interviewed Toxic Avenger creator Lloyd Kaufman, who shared his thoughts on the origins of James Gunn’s filmmaking career at Troma. Kaufman noted Gunn’s academic preparation, but revealed that it was Gunn’s commitment to the craft that made him a standout filmmaker from the start. Read Kaufman’s full comments below:
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 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. 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 a wonderful Ash, really. And thank you for recognizing how good Macon’s movie is. It’s terrific.”
What Lloyd Kaufman’s James Gunn Comments Mean
James Gunn Stays True To His Troma Roots
At Troma, James Gunn learned to write, direct, and produce with almost no resources, co-writing Tromeo and Juliet and absorbing the studio’s punk-rock ethos. Troma’s chaotic environment gave Gunn a sharp eye for mixing gore, comedy, and heart, which became signature elements of his style at Marvel and DC. Gunn’s Troma background can be seen reflected in тιтles as recent as Superman.
James Gunn’s ability to handle weird and obscure characters like Peacemaker and Rocket Raccoon is rooted in Troma’s outsider philosophy. At Troma, Gunn learned how to write and direct absurd characters and stories. Decades later, Gunn introduces characters like Metamorpho, Ultraman, and Lex Luthor’s “Mister Handsome” in the DCU’s first installment, and general audiences welcome them without problem.
Our Take On Lloyd Kaufman’s James Gunn Comments
James Gunn’s Troma Roots Are Central To The DCU
James Gunn’s roots in Troma Entertainment are likely to remain a key part of the DCU’s idenтιтy even in projects he doesn’t personally direct. With Superman and Creature Commandos, Gunn is setting the tone for a bold, interconnected universe that embraces the bizarre. This unapologetically extravagant style keeps Troma’s ethos alive on a blockbuster level.
DCU projects like Booster Gold, Clayface, and Swamp Thing are fertile ground for Gunn’s Troma-influenced storytelling. Through narrative or visual flair, these projects can reflect James Gunn’s filmmaking roots and share stylistic qualities with Superman. As the DCU’s architect, Gunn has the unique ability to encourage creators to lean into the weird and the emotionally complex.
The DCU’s first chapter, “Gods and Monsters”, is the perfect representation of James Gunn’s Troma origins. Gods and Monsters’ тιтle alone reflects Troma’s signature theme: monstrous outcasts with a heart of gold beneath their grotesque exteriors. Gunn now applies that same idea to godlike beings in the DC Universe, who are misunderstood as monsters, yet strive for something greater, like the Toxic Avenger.
