Frank Grillo swapped Marvel for DC, and he’s not being shy about why he prefers his new superhero home. His honest take gives us a rare peek behind the curtains of Hollywood’s biggest comic book studios. Here are the key takeaways from his experience.
- DCU provides actors with entire scripts and clear character paths early on.
- Marvel Studios is famously secretive, often making last-minute changes that leave actors in the dark.
- Grillo finds his role as Rick Flag Sr. in the DCU far deeper and more rewarding than his minor part as Crossbones in the MCU.
- James Gunn’s DC Universe is building a connected world that also lets individual stories stand on their own.
Grillo’s Honest Take on the Two Comic Book Giants
Frank Grillo knows both sides of the great superhero divide. He first entered the scene as the villain Crossbones in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now, he’s joining the DC Universe as Rick Flag Sr. His comparison between the two is incredibly revealing. It shows a stark contrast in how each studio operates. For an actor, these differences are a big deal. They change everything from preparation to personal satisfaction.
The Great Script Divide: Planning vs. Secrecy
One of the biggest differences Grillo points out is how each studio handles its scripts. This is a fundamental part of the creative experience for any actor.
At DCU, the process is transparent. Actors get the full script for their project right from the start. This might sound obvious, but in the world of blockbuster filmmaking, it’s not always the case. Having the entire story allows an actor to do their homework. They can trace their character’s journey from beginning to end. They understand their motivations, their relationships, and their ultimate purpose in the narrative. This level of preparation builds confidence and allows for a much deeper performance.
Marvel, however, is known for its culture of extreme secrecy. The studio often works “on the fly,” as Grillo noted. Actors frequently show up on set with only pieces of the puzzle. They might receive pages just days or even hours before filming. Major story twists are kept under wraps to prevent leaks. While this can create a sense of excitement and surprise, it can also be disorienting. An actor might not know how their scene fits into the larger movie, making it hard to connect with the story emotionally.
Finding Creative Fulfillment in a New Role
For Grillo, the difference in creative satisfaction is night and day. His time in the MCU, while memorable, left him wanting more. His character, Crossbones, is a major villain in Marvel comics. But in the movies, his role was limited. He appeared briefly in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and had a slightly larger, yet still short-lived, part in Captain America: Civil War. He felt underused and his potential was never fully realized.
His move to the DCU is a complete reversal. He is stepping into the boots of Rick Flag Sr., a character with massive potential. This isn’t a one-off appearance. Grillo is set to play this role across multiple projects in James Gunn’s new DC Universe. He will first voice the character in the animated series Creature Commandos. He will then appear in the live-action blockbuster Superman. After that, he is confirmed for a role in the second season of the hit show Peacemaker.
This multi-project commitment gives Grillo something he never had at Marvel: a true character arc. He gets to explore a role over time, building a performance with depth and history. This long-term investment from the studio shows they value him not just as a temporary player, but as a key part of their universe’s foundation.
Two Visions for a Connected Universe
The way each studio builds its world also impacts the creative experience. Both Marvel and DC have connected universes, but their philosophies are different.
The MCU is famous for its tightly woven narrative. Nearly every film and show directly connects to the next, building toward a massive crossover event. This approach is like a long-running television series where you need to watch every episode to understand the full story. It’s incredibly successful, but it can sometimes make individual films feel like stepping stones rather than standalone adventures.
James Gunn’s vision for the DCU is something else entirely. He has described it as a unified world where different stories can exist on their own merits. He compares it to Star Wars or Game of Thrones. In those universes, you can have a story about a smuggler in a cantina and a story about rebels battling an empire. They exist in the same world, but each has its own unique tone, style, and purpose. They contribute to the larger lore without being solely dependent on it.
This approach is liberating for storytellers and actors. It allows for more creative risks and diverse genres. A project can be a horror movie, a political thriller, or a comedy, all within the same DCU. This variety provides actors with richer, more unique material to work with.
What This Means for the Future of Superhero Stories
Frank Grillo’s experience is a telling sign of the changing tides in superhero entertainment. It highlights a growing appetite for a different kind of blockbuster filmmaking.
For actors, the DCU’s model of transparency and long-term planning is a major draw. It allows them to be true collaborators in the storytelling process. They can invest fully in their characters, knowing they have a future and a purpose. This deep connection often translates to better, more passionate performances on screen.
For fans, this means we can expect more focused, character-driven stories. The DCU seems poised to explore the vast corners of its comic book world without forcing every thread into one overarching plot. This could lead to a wider variety of films and shows that appeal to different tastes, all while building a cohesive and exciting universe.
Grillo’s verdict is clear. He finally feels at home in a universe where his work is valued and his character has room to grow and make a real impact. His journey from a small role in Marvel to a leading man in DC shows that for some actors, creative fulfillment is the ultimate superpower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Frank Grillo prefer working with DC over Marvel?
Grillo prefers DC’s approach because he receives complete scripts upfront. This allows him to understand his character’s full journey. He also has a much larger, multi-project role in the DCU compared to his limited part in the MCU.
What is the main difference in how Marvel and DC handle scripts?
Marvel is known for extreme secrecy, often giving actors only portions of the script to prevent leaks. DC, under James Gunn, provides actors with the entire script from the beginning for full transparency.
What characters did Frank Grillo play in Marvel and DC?
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Frank Grillo played the villain Crossbones. In the new DC Universe, he is playing Rick Flag Sr., the father of Joel Kinnaman’s character from The Suicide Squad.
How will Frank Grillo’s DC character be used?
Grillo’s character, Rick Flag Sr., is set to appear across multiple DCU projects. This includes the animated series Creature Commandos, the live-action Superman movie, and the second season of Peacemaker. Check the full story on https://projectcasting.com/news/frank-grillo-opens-up-on-why-dc-offers-a-better-creative-experience-than-marvel