Frank Grillo, who has worked extensively in both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the newly rebooted DC Universe, has shared why he believes James Gunn’s DCU offers a superior creative environment compared to the MCU. Grillo’s insights come as he promotes the second season of Peacemaker, highlighting differences in the filmmaking process under each franchise’s leadership.
Comparing Filmmaking Approaches Between DCU and MCU
Having appeared in the MCU for over ten years starting with Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Frank Grillo is no stranger to Marvel’s style of production. However, since officially leaving the MCU after 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, where his character Crossbones was killed, Grillo has taken on the role of Rick Flag Sr. in the DC Universe, first introduced in Creature Commandos.
Speaking about the differences between the two franchises, Grillo described the DCU’s process as more organized and transparent. He explained,
“It’s not organized in the same way.”
He expressed that under James Gunn’s direction, the DCU scripts are fully laid out, allowing actors to have a clear understanding of the overall story. Grillo contrasted this with his Marvel experience, remarking,
“[DC] is really like all the scripts are in front of you and you kind of have a real secure handle on what’s happening,”
and added,
“And there’s nothing wrong with it, but [Marvel] was a little fly by the seat of your pants.”
While acknowledging the MCU’s commercial success, Grillo admitted he found working without full scripts at times unsettling, calling the experience a little scary when scenes were filmed without being provided complete scripts ahead of time.
Frank Grillo’s Expanding Role Indicates Longevity in the DC Universe
Grillo’s portrayal of Rick Flag Sr. continues to grow in importance in the DCU, a plot development that may surprise some fans. After 2021’s The Suicide Squad, which occupies a unique position regarding canon status, Rick Flag Sr. was introduced in the Creature Commandos series following the death of his son, Rick Flag Jr., played by Joel Kinnaman. This personal vendetta drives Flag Sr.’s involvement in subsequent projects such as Superman and Peacemaker Season 2.
Although Rick Flag Sr. is not a widely recognized figure within DC Comics, his repeated appearances across both animated and live-action DCU content underscore his rising significance. Under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran since 2023, DC Studios has embraced a strategy that allows characters to move fluidly between formats. Rick Flag Sr. marks the first character to navigate this transition smoothly, setting a precedent that may enable many more characters to appear across the franchise’s various media.
The Future of DCU Storytelling and Character Integration
The innovative approach taken by James Gunn and Peter Safran in managing DC Studios suggests a dynamic future for the DCU, where diverse storytelling formats coexist and complement each other. Frank Grillo’s role as Rick Flag Sr. exemplifies this shift, as his character’s journey spans animation and live-action, creating a more connected and immersive universe.
This strategy not only enhances the audience’s engagement with the characters but also offers actors a comprehensive view of their roles within the larger narrative. By facilitating this openness and organization, James Gunn’s DCU offers a creative environment that actors like Grillo find more reassuring and manageable compared to the MCU’s earlier methods.
