Frank Grillo has officially confirmed via Instagram that he will return as Rick Flag Sr. in James Gunn’s upcoming film, Man of Tomorrow. This announcement follows his character’s evolving presence within the DC Universe, which has generated significant anticipation among fans eager to see how Flag’s role will develop.
Grillo first portrayed Rick Flag Sr. in the animated Creature Commandos series before appearing in a key supporting role in the Superman franchise. His character recently gained more prominence in Peacemaker season 2, where Flag assumed leadership of A.R.G.U.S. and sought retribution against Chris Smith, played by John Cena, for the death of his son, portrayed by Joel Kinnaman, in The Suicide Squad.
The Evolution of Rick Flag Sr. from Ally to Antagonist
In the Peacemaker season 2 finale, Rick Flag Sr.’s transformation into a villain was solidified when he kidnapped Chris Smith and stranded him in Salvation, a dimension intended by Flag as a prison for the Earth‘s metahumans. This shift marks a darker trajectory for the character, suggesting he will continue in an adversarial role in upcoming stories.
The season’s conclusion also featured the formation of Checkmate, created by Chris Smith alongside the 11th Street Kids, Judomaster, and A.R.G.U.S. agents Sasha Bordeaux and Langston Fleury. This new alliance emerges in response to the escalating conflicts involving government forces and metahumans, setting the stage for more intense battles ahead in the DC Universe.
James Gunn’s Vision on the Connection between Peacemaker and Man of Tomorrow
James Gunn recently addressed questions regarding whether Man of Tomorrow would pick up directly from Peacemaker’s storyline in an interview with Rolling Stone. Gunn emphasized that although there won’t be a direct continuation, the military’s increasing involvement in managing metahumans—and Rick Flag Sr.’s actions—will significantly influence DCU stories going forward.
“No, no, no. But people should expect that the way that the military and Rick Flagg and everybody are working together and they’ve created a probably illegal prison for metahumans on another dimension is gonna be a part of DCU stories going forward. And not just a tertiary, ‘Oh, this is Arkham’ — it’s a part of the stories. There’s an escalating war, obviously, that’s going on between the government and metahumans. And this is a part of it.” – James Gunn, Director
Gunn’s remarks highlight an ongoing and deepening conflict between government authorities and metahumans, with Salvation acting as a key battleground. This evolving tension will likely shape the narrative foundation for Man of Tomorrow and other DC projects.
Implications of Salvation and the Future Role of Rick Flag Sr.
Man of Tomorrow appears to be setting up its story inspired by the Salvation Run comic series, where dangerous metahuman criminals are exiled to a distant planet called Cygnus 4019, known as Salvation. Characters must navigate the perilous environment, forming factions and struggling for survival and escape.
Rick Flag Sr., closely tied to this storyline through his control over Salvation, is expected to play a significant role. While rumors persist about John Cena reprising his character Chris Smith in the film, Gunn’s intention to keep fans guessing adds to the intrigue around potential alliances and conflicts in the upcoming movie.
The Impact of Peacemaker Season 2 on the Broader DC Universe
Peacemaker season 2 centers on Chris Smith as he battles with his violent past while pursuing a controversial quest for peace. The show explores his discovery of an alternate reality where life meets his ideals, forcing him to confront trauma and choose his destiny.
“The new season follows Christopher ‘Chris’ Smith, aka Peacemaker, the vigilante Super Hero as he struggles to reconcile his past with his newfound sense of purpose while continuing to kick righteous evil-doer butt in his misguided quest for peace at any cost. In season 2, Peacemaker discovers an alternate world where life is everything he wishes it could be. But this discovery also forces him to face his traumatic past and take the future into his own hands.” – Official Peacemaker Season 2 Description
The series’ themes of struggle, redemption, and moral ambiguity feed into the tension within the DC Universe, particularly regarding government surveillance and control over metahumans, exemplified by Rick Flag’s creation of a prison dimension that challenges traditional notions of justice and authority.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from James Gunn’s Man of Tomorrow
The return of Rick Flag Sr. in Man of Tomorrow signals that James Gunn is weaving together complex threads from the television series and broader DC Universe storyline. The integration of Salvation and the focus on a government-metahuman conflict suggest that the film will explore darker themes of power, control, and rebellion.
Fans can anticipate a continuation of escalating struggles with new villains potentially emerging, perhaps including the film’s hinted major antagonist, rumored to be Brainiac. Rick Flag Sr.’s villainous path will likely place him in direct opposition to Superman, at least initially, adding depth to the film’s conflict.
As this storyline unfolds, the DC Universe under James Gunn’s direction promises a layered narrative where alliances shift and the battle over control of powerful beings continues to intensify, making Man of Tomorrow a critical chapter for metahuman and superhero lore.
Frank Grillo confirms he will return as Rick Flag Sr. in ‘MAN OF TOMORROW’ pic.twitter.com/mn8yXc0nPA
— DCU PRIME TV (@DCUPRIMETV) November 12, 2025
