Frank Grillo, who will be making his DC Universe debut with Creature Commandos, has come out to highlight how portraying Rick Flag Sr. differed immensely from his time at Marvel. The Tulsa King star famously enacted Brock Rumlow, a.k.a. Crossbones, in the MCU for three films. However, like many of his Marvel colleagues, Grillo switched allegiances shortly after James Gunn became the CEO of DC Studios. Having worked under both banners, the seasoned actor recently shared the differences he experienced while being part of the two biggest superhero franchises.
Frank Grillo praises DC’s Rick Flag role compared to Marvel’s Crossbones
Grillo stated that he was “grateful” for landing an integral role in Creature Commandos right from the get-go.
While explaining the significance of Rick Flag Sr. to the upcoming animated series, the actor seems to have subtly hinted at the reckless handling of Crossbones in the MCU.
The Captain America: Civil War star shared his opinion on the topic in a recent interview with Screen Rant. While commenting on his forthcoming DC role, Frank Grillo admitted that getting the opportunity to command an important role from the start was extremely rewarding for him.
He also compared this situation to his stint at Marvel, inadvertently calling out the haphazard disposal of Brock Rumlow in the MCU Phase 3. “It’s just being really involved in such a great way from the beginning,” Grillo conveyed. “I have a chance to be in the embryotic stages of this in a big capacity, and not just used as plot device and then shunned away,” he added.
Frank Grillo then thanked James Gunn for his fleshed-out role in DC’s Creature Commandos. “This thing, you can’t do it without Rick Flag Sr., the way James has set it up, and that is really, to me, important, and I’m grateful for it. I take it very seriously. I tell James and Peter this all the time, whatever you guys got planned, I’m game,” Grillo further stated.
Following his MCU debut in Captain America: The Winter Soldier as Brock Rumlow, fans expected Frank Grillo to play a consequential role as Crossbones in later projects. However, the villainous character received an unceremonious send-off in Civil War, meeting his end at the beginning of the movie. Since then, the actor has successfully transitioned into Gunn’s revamped DCU, notching the part of Rick Flag Sr.
Creature Commandos will be making its debut on Max on December 5, 2024.
