Frank Grillo emerges as a pivotal figure in the evolving DC Universe, and he shares compelling insights into why he finds it more appealing than his experiences in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His transition from Marvel to DC has sparked interest among fans and industry insiders alike.

Frank Grillo, known for his role as Brock Rumlow, or Crossbones, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has made an exciting transition to the DC Universe, stepping into the role of Rick Flag Sr. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Grillo elaborated on his preference for the DC Universe over the Marvel Universe, highlighting how each has its unique strengths and storytelling approaches. His enthusiasm reflects a profound appreciation for the creative direction that DC is taking under the guidance of James Gunn and Peter Safran, which emphasizes a more intimate and character-driven narrative.

“They’re very different,” Grillo noted. “Marvel’s a different machine, and it’s great in its own right, 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. I just love being part of something in the embryonic stage and being able to grow with it and watch it and flourish.” This sentiment underscores Grillo’s desire for a deeper connection with his character and the overall narrative, especially after feeling that Crossbones was underutilized in the MCU.

Grillo debuted in the DC Universe with the animated series Creature Commandos but is set to make his highly anticipated transition to live-action in upcoming projects like Superman and the second season of Peacemaker. “With Creature Commandos and Peacemaker, Flag is a prominent figure in the stories,” Grillo explained. “With Superman, he kind of just drops in.“ This transition signifies a major step in his career and highlights the expanding narrative possibilities within the DC Universe.

Grillo mentioned that while his character showcases striking white hair in the animated series, logistical challenges prevented him from achieving the same look in Superman or Peacemaker, as he was simultaneously filming the second season of Tulsa King. “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,” Grillo shared. “I had to just use what I had and try to make it as interesting as I could. I had every intention of dying it white and slicing it up, but I just couldn’t do it.“ This reflects the often complex nature of film production schedules and character consistency.

In addition to Grillo’s portrayal of Rick Flag Sr., the animated series Creature Commandos features an impressive voice cast, including David Harbour as Eric Frankenstein, Indira Varma as The Bride, Maria Bakalova as Princess Ilana Rostovic, Alan Tudyk as Doctor Phosphorus, Zoe Chao as Nina Mazursky, Steve Agee as John Economos, and Sean Gunn as Weasel. The series focuses on a covert team of monsters, imprisoned for their crimes, who are recruited for missions deemed too perilous for regular operatives. Their existence serves as a last resort when all else fails, emphasizing the darker, more unconventional aspects of the DC Universe. Notably, Creature Commandos has already been renewed for a second season, indicating strong audience interest and engagement.