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James Gunn Reveals How He Casts Villains Like the High Evolutionary in His Projects


There is little doubt that the High Evolutionary is one of the most hated men in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or possibly even in cinematic history. Interestingly, James Gunn claims that this was possible because of how he casts villains in his projects.

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Chukwudi Iwuji played the terrifying High Evolutionary who created Rocket and several other animal hybrids. The villain's cruelty is certainly unmatched in the MCU but James Gunn says Iwuji is the complete opposite of the character he plays.

James Gunn recently shared a photo of Chukwudi Iwuji playing with a dog on the set of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. When one fan admitted that the image was a relief considering that they were ready to harm the cruel character, Gunn explained that he chose Iwuji for this particular reason.

"In a film series with some of the kindest actors in the world like @karengillan & @prattprattpratt, Chukwudi Iwuji might be the kindest of all," he wrote.

"Repeatedly I've found the nicest people are best at playing the most despicable characters (i.e. Peter Capaldi in The Suicide Squad or @robertpatrickT2 in Peacemaker,)" he added.

James Gunn certainly has a point there as Peter Capaldi and Robert Patrick have played some of the most memorable villains in cinematic history. But it's also important to remember that playing a terrible villain needs talent and that's also something these actors share.

Chukwudi Iwuji previously admitted that although it was fun to play the bad guy, he didn't quite enjoy the animal cruelty. The Peacemaker actor confessed he was glad he didn't have to work with real animals in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 as it would have been too difficult.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 brings back Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sean Gunn, Elizabeth Debicki, Maria Bakalova, and Sylvester Stallone. Chukwudi Iwuji and Will Poulter join the cast as the High Evolutionary and Adam Warlock, respectively.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is now screening in theaters worldwide.

Related: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: James Gunn Reveals One Song He Couldn't Use

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