Frank Grillo, the veteran actor turned cornerstone of James Gunn’s new DC Universe, is embracing his role with enthusiasm. Best known for his portrayal of Crossbones in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Grillo is now stepping into the spotlight as Rick Flag Sr.
Unlike his MCU role, Rick is a complex and layered character who bridges the gap between animated and live-action storytelling. So, Grillo is relishing his chance to be part of something “much more personal” than his Marvel experience.
Frank Grillo Believes His DCU Role Is Much More Personal
Frank Grillo’s commitment to Rick Flag Sr. is evident. Additionally, the actor has also been open about facing challenges with portraying the character. While his animated counterpart sports striking silver hair, practical constraints during the shooting of ‘Peacemaker’ and ‘Superman’ prevented him from embracing the animated look.
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“Unfortunately, we shot some of the Peacemaker and Superman while I was in the middle of shooting Tulsa King. So, we were limited to what we could do with my hair,” he told EW. Moreover, Grillo is thrilled to be at the forefront of a burgeoning cinematic universe.
Reflecting on his time with Marvel, he expressed a preference for the intimacy and creativity of Gunn and Safran’s DC approach. “Marvel’s a different machine, and it’s great in its own right,” he said. “But the thing I love about James’ and Peter’s DC is that it’s much more contained. It’s so much more personal, and I really enjoy it better.”
For Grillo, it’s not just about playing a hero or a villain but about exploring the shades of humanity that make characters and the universe they inhabit feel real. “I’m just excited to see where this goes,” Grillo concluded. “It’s an opportunity to do something meaningful, and that’s what keeps me coming back.”
Frank Grillo On Rick Flag Sr.’s DCU Journey
Frank Grillo first appeared as Rick Flag Sr. in the animated ‘Creature Commandos’, where his character is tasked by Amanda Waller with leading a misfit team of monstrous beings on a mission to the fictional Eastern European nation of Pokolistan. While the series leans into its absurd and fantastical elements, it also lays a solid foundation for Grillo’s portrayal of the elder Flag.
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“There was a rawness, and also a naïveté, about him in Creature Commandos,” Grillo shared. “I find it interesting that the big, strong, muscular leader is also a vulnerable guy. There are times where he doesn’t know what to do. I think that’s important. That’s what James is great at.”
To Grillo, this vulnerability is crucial to understanding Flag’s evolution. While his past hasn’t been fully revealed yet, fans know he’s the father of Rick Flag Jr., who tragically died in ‘The Suicide Squad’. Moreover, this loss adds further depth to his character. His pain and anger will now fuel his quest for revenge in ‘Peacemaker’ season 2.
