The Guardians of the frickin Galaxy. You can’t help but love them and over the past decade this group of misfits has become near and dear to our hearts. One such member of the group is the fan-favourite Kraglin, played by Sean Gunn, who also happens to play Rocket Racoon on set and well, happens to be the brother of Guardians director/writer James Gunn. While making a pit stop in Toronto this week, One Take News sat down with Sean Gunn and we got to ask him about the potential to play Kraglin again in the future, what songs he’d put on his own Awesome Mix, working with his director brother, and more.
OTN: Hi Sean, How are you doing today?
Sean Gunn: I’m doing good, and yourself?
OTN: Great. I just wanted to congratulate you on the film. I’ve seen it twice and you’re so much fun in it so thank you for your contributions.
Sean Gunn: Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
OTN: So, I’ve got a lot of questions and not a lot of time so I’m gonna get right into this. What’s it been like watching Kraglin’s journey throughout the Guardians trilogy? He went from a follower in Vol. 1 to a semi-leader in Vol. 2 to fully embracing Yondu and the arrow in Vol. 3. Did you ever expect him to undergo such a large character arc?
Sean Gunn: It’s been a heck of an experience for me. You know, going from being this peripheral character in the first movie to finding my place within the Guardians and the Guardians family has really been wonderful and I didn’t know where Kraglin was going when I started in the first movie and to see where he fits into all of this, I love it. It’s kind of like what audiences did. They watched it and they’re like “I’m gonna find my own family within this” and Kraglin gets to do that within the scope of the films which is great.
OTN: I’ve always been curious, what’s it like to have your brother James as a director? I feel like having that relationship beforehand would allow you to feel more relaxed on set, try out new things and not be embarrassed if it fails and just overall communicate better.
Sean Gunn: I’m fortunate that my brother is very good at what he does so I love working with him. And you’re right, James and I have a shorthand for how we communicate with one another that goes back to when we were children. So, when we’re working out a scene on set, we have a shorthand for speaking to one another that’s really quick and it’s the actor’s job to not be afraid no matter what but there’s no learning curve with finding a new director and working with a new director. James and I can just jump right into wherever we need to go which is the best thing about working with him.
OTN: Music is very important to these films as you know, and you have Awesome Mix Vol. 1, 2 and 3. If you, as Sean, could create your own Awesome Mix, what are some of the songs you’d have on there?
Sean Gunn: Oh gosh, that’s a good question. I do love music the way my brother James does so I really like a lot of the song selections that he makes. But, I think I’d have a little more hip-hop on my playlist, a little more early, weird hip-hop. Maybe some Lord Finesse, some Big L and some Chubb Rock. [laughs] This is going nice and weird for your viewers here but I think I’d start there.
OTN: Follow up question, what do you think Kraglin would have on his Awesome Mix? Do you think that Kraglin and yourself have similar music tastes?
Sean Gunn: I think Kraglin loves country music, which I like as well. It’s okay, it’s not always my first choice but we know Kraglin loves weird things. I think Kraglin and I would both jam out to some George Strait
OTN: Now there’s where I would disagree with Kraglin. [laughs] Country music isn’t for everyone but to each their own! Now, many of your Guardians cast members, along with James, have all said this will be the final time they play these characters. Do you think you’re ready to say goodbye to Kraglin and Rocket and join them?
Sean Gunn: Never say never to anything. I’ve learned one thing in my career for doing this for a quarter of a century now is that anytime you think your career is gonna go in one direction, it’ll probably go in the other. I don’t know if I’ll pick up these characters again but I certainly love playing them and we’ll see where it goes.
OTN: For sure, I hope this isn’t the last time you’re playing these roles. So, Kraglin has mostly been confined to interacting with the Guardians of the Galaxy and their associates. Are there any other MCU characters you would like to see him interact with?
Sean Gunn: I’d love to see how Kraglin does on Earth because now he’s got enough powers that he could get something done on Earth. He’s humanoid but he’s not an Earthling. Kraglin’s Xandarian so I’d love to see how he does.
OTN: For sure, now that he can use Yondu’s arrow he could get a lot done.
Sean Gunn: Yeah, I would hope so!
OTN: With this film being the big finale for the Guardians franchise and their last dance, what was it like throughout production and specifically, the last day of filming? Was it very emotional for everyone?
Sean Gunn: Yeah, it was really sad to be leaving that family of the cast and crew, who I’ve grown to really love throughout all these years. But, I also feel like there’s something really joyful about the experience of completing something creatively and knowing that “hey, we’ve done this and now we’re gonna give it to audience” so there’s something really cool and gratifying about that too.
OTN: I love hearing that. And, my last question is about your past. You’ve played some really fun characters in the past, with my personal favourite being a Mister Kirk Gleeson from Gilmore Girls. I would be remise if I didn’t tell you how much we love you and that show in my household. Out of all the characters you’ve played in your career, which do you think would fit in best with the Guardians of the Galaxy?
Sean Gunn: Oh gosh, not Kirk! I love playing Kirk, I’d play him again today if I could.
OTN: Please do, please do
Sean Gunn: I’d love to man. But yeah, I don’t think he would do too well with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Hmm, who would do well? You know, I just played this character on The Terminal List [named Saul Agnon], this show I did on Amazon with Chris Pratt and that character was a little bit of a snake. I be the Ravagers would take him right in.
OTN: I love to hear that. Again, thank you so much for your time, I absolutely love this movie. Enjoy the rest of your day and enjoy the rest of your stay in Toronto.
Sean Gunn: Thank you, I appreciate it.
You can catch Sean Gunn and the rest of the Guardians as they prepare for one last ride in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which is in theatres now. Read our review of the film here!
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