James Gunn‘s approach to DCU storytelling and character development took center stage as he celebrated Frank Grillo’s 60th birthday by sharing a new behind-the-scenes photo of Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr., signaling a pivotal year for the character following his debut in the animated Creature Commandos. Gunn’s vision promises interconnected narratives across Superman and Peacemaker season 2, reshaping expectations for layered stories and evolving character journeys in the DC Universe.
Frank Grillo’s Expanding Role and the Rise of Rick Flag Sr.
Marking a milestone birthday, Frank Grillo was highlighted by DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn, who revealed a behind-the-scenes look at Grillo as Rick Flag Sr. The exact project—either Superman or Peacemaker season 2—remains undisclosed, but the timing aligns with a major shift in the DCU’s live-action storytelling. The significance of Rick Flag Sr., who recently appeared in Creature Commandos, is set to grow as he emerges as a key player within A.R.G.U.S., having taken over after Amanda Waller’s latest failure.
In the upcoming Superman film, Rick Flag Sr. will reportedly gain access to critical intelligence, notably about his son’s death at the hands of Christopher Smith, also known as Peacemaker. This revelation sets the stage for an anticipated and intense confrontation between the two characters, promising high stakes and a violent clash that will have lasting consequences across the DCU continuity.
James Gunn’s Script-Focused Directing Style
During a recent interview with Screen Rant, Frank Grillo shared insights into how extensively James Gunn has developed his DCU character. Grillo emphasized Gunn’s detailed planning, noting:
“All of it! This is why James Gunn is the perfect man to do this,”
—Frank Grillo, Actor
He went on to describe Gunn’s meticulous approach with scripts, saying:
“When he asked me to do the role in Creature Commandos, he sent me every script, and not a word was changed.”
—Frank Grillo, Actor
Grillo further revealed how this process continued as his role moved into Peacemaker, and soon, into Superman, explaining the narrative links between the projects:
“And then when he asked me to do Peacemaker, he sent me every script, and not a word was changed. My role in Superman has a lot to do with Peacemaker, so it is connective tissue,”
—Frank Grillo, Actor
This fidelity to storytelling is central to James Gunn’s approach to DCU storytelling and character development. Grillo noted the scripts remain dynamic, with character arcs continually evolving under Gunn’s supervision:
“And, of course, not a word has changed. But because [the arc] is also constantly evolving, you need to be involved in how the characters change a lot more. Gunn’s all about the script – script, script, script.”
—Frank Grillo, Actor
Comparing DCU and MCU Creative Processes
Frank Grillo also contrasted his experiences with DC Studios and Marvel, where he played Crossbones in the Captain America films. According to Grillo, Marvel’s scripts were often incomplete, leading to on-the-fly adjustments during filming. He shared his preference for the more organized process at DC Studios:
“Whereas Marvel, they’ll start a movie – part of it. And they have a script, but it’s not really a script. You start in, and then halfway through, you’re like, ‘Uh oh…’ I personally prefer scripts to be [fleshed out],”
—Frank Grillo, Actor
He concluded with a pointed comparison, stating:
“the way James Gunn is running DC is the antithesis to how Kevin Feige’s been running Marvel, and it – to me – is a better fit.”
—Frank Grillo, Actor
Recognizing Complexity in the DCU
James Gunn used social media to praise Frank Grillo’s performance and highlight the nuanced moral fabric of the DC Universe, writing:
“Not everyone in the DCU is black or white – most are shades of gray. And no one brings color to gray more than Frank Grillo, our own Rick Flag, Sr. Can’t wait for folks to see you bring the DCU together in #Superman and #Peacemaker. Happy Birthday, buddy!”
—James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO
This message underscores Gunn’s commitment to complex characters and the intertwining destinies of heroes and antiheroes. The arrival of Grillo as Rick Flag Sr. signals a focus on character-driven arcs that span across major titles, including Superman and Peacemaker.
Upcoming Releases Set to Define the New DCU
Superman marks the first major feature of the refreshed DC Universe by DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures, scheduled for release on July 11, 2025. The film stars David Corenswet in the dual role of Superman and Clark Kent, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult portraying Lex Luthor. Supporting cast members include Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, María Gabriela de Faría, Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Neva Howell, and Milly Alcock.
Gunn’s direction blends action, humor, and emotional resonance, aiming to present Superman as a hero driven by compassion and a steadfast belief in human goodness. Meanwhile, the second season of Peacemaker, featuring the anticipated clash of Rick Flag Sr. and Christopher Smith, premieres with eight episodes starting August 21.
As James Gunn’s approach to DCU storytelling and character development unfolds, fans and critics anticipate a bold future for iconic characters and fresh faces alike. With interconnected plots and richer character arcs, the DC Universe is set for a dynamic era of storytelling, with figures like Rick Flag Sr. and Superman at its core.
