It’s been a decade since Chris Evans’ Captain America: The Winter Soldier hit theatres and turned into a major success. Helmed by Joe and Anthony Russo, the MCU movie starred Frank Grillo in the villainous role of Crossbones, alongside the likes of Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, and Scarlett Johansson.
While looking back at the movie, it seems like the perfect ensemble of cast. But Frank Grillo wasn’t supposed to appear in the film. Sharing an inside detail about the actor’s casting in the movie, Joe Russo recently shared a tweet disclosing how an accidental email helped Grillo find his way to the MCU.
Frank Grillo’s Role as Crossbones in Captain America: The Winter Soldier
When Chris Evans’ Captain America: The Winter Soldier was in the making, several actors made headlines surrounding the anticipated project. Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, the movie consisted of the OG Marvel actors – Evans, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Scarlett Johansson, and others. But among all, what fans were most curious about was the villain of the film. That’s when Frank Grillo sparked rumors of being screen-tested as Crossbones.
Back in 2012, ahead of the film’s release in April 2014, Frank Grillo was rumored to have won the role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Although speculations came without official confirmation, the news seemingly excited fans. Even The Purge actor had teased fans with a tweet from his now-suspended account that he has tested for a role in a Marvel film, via Empire.
Eventually fitting the physical type for Crossbones, Frank Grillo was hired to be a part of the MCU movie in 2014. As per the storyline, Grillo’s character was merely an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. named Brock Rumlow, who eventually became Captain America’s foe Crossbones, after his battle with Sam Wilson, which ended with the Triskelion collapsing on him and causing him to become bloodthirsty and vengeful.
Joe Russo Revealed How Frank Grillo Actually Landed the Role in MCU
While Frank Grillo’s character received mixed reviews from audiences and critics, the actor had put his all into the role. However, eventually, after collaborating with Marvel on different projects, Grillo finally left the Studios, disappointed by a lack of character development, as per Marca. Therefore, now, after a decade since the release of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, director Joe Russo opened up about Grillo’s casting.
Taking to his X account, Joe Russo disclosed how the actor wasn’t even considered for the role of Crossbones until an accidental email changed things forever. According to the filmmaker, while working with an unnamed A-list director, he mistakenly forwarded an email that suggested Frank Grillo for the particular role of Brock Rumlow. Playing a small part in the casting, Russo admitted forwarding the mail to the intended recipient.
Ten years ago, CAPTAIN AMERICA: WINTER SOLDIER came out.
I played a very small part when an A-list director I was working with accidentally emailed asking *me* to cast Frank Grillo in the movie. I forwarded the letter on to the intended recipient and the rest is history… pic.twitter.com/91OPledmJo
— Joe Russo (@joerussotweets) April 4, 2024
Rest is history, as the email worked wonders for Frank Grillo, who was called for an audition, which led to screen testing and eventually the role in the movie. Admitting to play a small role in Grillo’s casting as Crossbones, Joe Russo’s tweet made fans believe in luck and fate. From not even being considered for the role to eventually reprising his character in different Marvel projects, Grillo had become an MCU staple until his exit.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is available on Disney+.
