Frank Grillo, the talented actor known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, and Avengers: Endgame), has made a daring leap into the DC Universe (DCU). The actor will be joining the cast of Creature Commandos, which is set in the recently established DC Universe under the management of James Gunn and Peter Safran.
Grillo is set to play Rick Flag Sr., the father of Rick Flag. Joel Kinnaman played Rick Flag in the DC Extended Universe films Suicide Squad (2016) and The Suicide Squad (2021). The former recently spoke with Moviefone about his work on the upcoming animated series from DC Studios. Along with discussing whether he will reprise the role in upcoming live-action DCU projects, he also talked about how Marvel’s Kevin Feige “blew it”.
Creature Commandos Stars Frank Grillo as the DCU’s Rick Flag Sr.
According to TheWrap, Frank Grillo, 58, is set to play DCU character Rick Flag Sr. in the upcoming film Creature Commandos. Being part of DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, the much-awaited animated television series is presently undergoing production.
Among the confirmed characters is Sean Gunn’s character Weasel from The Suicide Squad. The remaining cast members were disclosed by Collider. Gunn’s Weasel will be joined by other voice actors, including David Harbour as Eric Frankenstein, Indira Varma as The Bride, Zoe Chao as Nina Mazursky, Maria Bakalova as Princess Ilana Rostovic, and Alan Tudyk as Dr. Phosphorus.
In the DC comics, Rick Flag, Sr., played the leader of the Suicide Squad. He fought in World War II with the original Suicide Squad and, afterward, became a member of Task Force X. A common portrayal of Flag is that of a strict, bookish character who is not afraid to make difficult choices in order to accomplish his goals.
Joel Kinnaman previously portrayed Rick Flag Jr. in the DCEU in Suicide Squad and its 2021 sequel, The Suicide Squad.
Frank Grillo Takes a Cheeky Dig at MCU Head Kevin Feige
In the upcoming DCU film Creature Commandos, Frank Grillo—who previously portrayed the enigmatic character Crossbones in the MCU—plays Rick Flag and embarks on an exciting journey. This unforeseen casting choice has not only excited fans but has also raised questions about the creative differences that may have motivated Grillo to switch sides.
He did not hold back when he took aim at Kevin Feige in an interview with Moviefone, following his entry into James Gunn’s DCU and the way his Marvel story ended. He said
“I love James Gunn and Peter Safran and what they’re doing at DC and for the DCU, and these characters are living in all their movies. I’m going to be around for a while, and I wish I could tell you what I have coming up with them, but I can’t. But it’s exciting. I was just with the Russo Brothers, Kevin Feige and Lou D’Esposito and it’s kind of like, ‘I miss those guys, but you blew it’.”
Grillo appears to have found a refreshing new creative outlet in the DC Universe after collaborating with critically acclaimed director James Gunn. Not even fans stopped expressing their opinions:
Why is he constantly doing this? Looks so petty tbh.
— Max MediaVerse (@MediaverseCU) February 12, 2024
He looks bitter about it
— Finestt Cartier 🔱 (@FinesttCartier) February 13, 2024
Didn't he just return to voice crossbones in what if.
That feels like a bit of an unneeded blow especially with gunn and feige seemingly still getting along.— Dylan Ince (@ince_dylan) February 12, 2024
Hes gonna be way better in the dcu anyways i was hyped for his crossbones but they did him so incredibly dirty
— MIZi (@MiZi_200) February 13, 2024
My boy frank grillo showing up in multiple projects! Let's go!!
— Nathan Baker (@Nathanlovesnba) February 12, 2024
Taking shots at Marvel pic.twitter.com/JbhxVQZRSh
— Shawn (@ShawnOfTheBat) February 13, 2024
Gunn’s Creature Commandos is supposed to be R-rated, like Deadpool 3. Though Frank Grillo’s transition from MCU to DCU took a bit of time, fans can look forward to a thrilling ride in DCU’s first project.
The streaming service Max will host the premiere of Creature Commandos towards the end of 2024.
