James Gunn, the creative force behind the upcoming ‘Superman‘ movie and new DCU, has taken the time to clarify fan confusion about the timeline and character details of Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo.
As the DC Extended Universe transitioned to a rebooted DCU, there were a lot of questions concerning characters who seemed to bridge the old and new realities. Now, Gunn has made it clear that the changes were caused due to Grillo working on other projects.
Frank Grillo’s Commitment to Other Projects Led To The Different Beard Colors Of Rick Flag Sr.
One of the most discussed topics has been the apparent differences in Rick Flag Sr.’s hair color across different projects. In ‘Creature Commandos’ Grillo’s character has white hair. Whereas, in ‘Peacemaker’ season 2’s teaser, the character has dark hair. Moreover, fans have been theorizing that this discrepancy might signal deeper timeline implications.
Related: James Gunn Asserts Old DCEU’s Huge Impact On New DCU, Says Past Events Would Become Canon
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When asked on Threads if the character’s shifting look could indicate specific timeline placements, Gunn responded directly: “Link it more with Grillo simultaneously shooting Tulsa King.” This suggests that Grillo’s commitments to other projects influenced the visual inconsistency.
However, Gunn’s clarification sheds light on a more significant timeline detail. It confirms that ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 is set after ‘Superman’, which takes place after ‘Creature Commandos’.
As of now, all eyes are on the upcoming ‘Superman’ film with Gunn confirming that the trailer of the film is almost done.
Gunn also teased that the film will capture the essence of Superman as he struggles to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage. This version of the iconic hero is meant to embody “truth, justice, and the American way.” With ‘Superman’ slated to premiere in July 2025, followed by ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2, fans have a lot to be excited about.
Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr. Will Play A Major Role In ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2
James Gunn’s decision to carry over characters and storylines from the DCEU into the new DCU has complicated some things. Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr. is at the heart of this transition. The character has been described by Gunn as “morally a complex human being.”
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This hints at a layered portrayal that goes beyond typical heroism or villainy. In a recent interview, Gunn elaborated on the character’s importance. “The character’s also in Superman, and he’s an incredibly important part of Peacemaker. He is a really cool character that Frank has been molding,” he explained.
Moreover, for fans of the franchise, this means that Flag Sr. will be pivotal not only in animation but also across the new DCU. Speculation suggests that Flag Sr.’s mission will involve seeking retribution against Peacemaker, for the death of his son in ‘The Suicide Squad’.
