Frank Grillo Praises James Gunn’s DCU Process Over Marvel’s

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Actor Frank Grillo, who plays Rick Flag Sr. within the DC Comics universe, has recently shared insights about his character’s development within the franchise and the creative approach taken by director James Gunn compared to that of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As one of the original actors in the first official DCU project, Grillo was last seen in the finale of “Creature Commandos.” With Rick Flag Sr.’s character now firmly established, he is slated to appear in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film. In the subsequent 12 months, this will mark Grillo and his character’s third appearance within the DCU, with their next showing coming in season 2 of “Peacemaker.

During a private conversation with Ebaster, Grillo was queried about his character’s part in DCU. More specifically, Grillo was inquired about the extent of his character’s script knowledge, given that he made three appearances in 2025. Grillo responded by discussing this aspect of his role.

As a supporter, I wholeheartedly agree. James Gunn is the ideal choice for this project, and here’s why: When he offered me the role in Creature Commandos, he shared every script without altering a single word. The same happened when he approached me for Peacemaker. My character in Superman shares connections with Peacemaker, serving as a link between them. And just like before, not a word has been changed… However, given that the narrative arc is also continuously developing, it’s crucial to be deeply involved in shaping the characters’ transformations. Gunn’s focus on the script – script, script, script – aligns perfectly with this approach.

As a cinema enthusiast, I couldn’t help but draw some intriguing comparisons between the creative processes in the DC Universe, as overseen by James Gunn, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe under Kevin Feige’s guidance. Having been part of three epic MCU adventures – “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Captain America: Civil War,” and “Avengers: Endgame” – I found myself reflecting on these dynamic universes and the masterful way they’ve been crafted.

While Marvel often begins a film with an incomplete script that can leave you feeling uneasy midway through, I find myself preferring fully-developed scripts. In my opinion, the approach James Gunn is taking with DC contrasts significantly and more effectively to how Kevin Feige has managed Marvel.

As per Grillo’s claims, Gunn’s scripting method appears to be more detailed than Marvel’s. Given the details that have surfaced about the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, this could hold some truth. Regardless, it seems clear that Grillo has been extensively briefed about his role in the DC Universe.

What Frank Grillo’s DC Universe Comments Mean For The Franchise

The DCU Is Seemingly In Good Hands

Regarding the implications of Grillo’s remarks for the broader DCU, his statements suggest that Gunn is indeed the suitable choice for the role. Disregarding Marvel comparisons and focusing solely on the DC Universe, it’s invigorating to observe a filmmaker so committed to the scriptwriting phase. In January 2023, the initial announcement about the DCU highlighted Gunn stating that “storytelling is always king. That’s all that matters to us.” Given Grillo’s comments, it appears that this focus on storytelling is resonating positively.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate Gunn’s approach to the DCU. By meticulously planning scripts, plotlines, and character arcs beforehand, he ensures that the universe feels cohesive and organic. This forward-thinking method also enhances each individual DCU installment, as everyone involved – from actors to directors – has a clear understanding of the story’s direction and its role in shaping the franchise’s future. This way, we can look forward to a more connected and engaging DCU experience.

Our Take On Frank Grillo’s DC Universe Comments

The DCU Is Appealing To Hollywood Actors

What I find intriguing about Grillo’s remarks is how they suggest that some actors might find the style of the DC Universe more appealing than that of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Grillo seems to be among these individuals, implying that Gunn’s approach to the DC Universe is more suitable for superhero franchises than what the MCU currently offers. This could lead us to speculate that other actors might also see advantages in the DC Universe over the MCU, even though the latter continues to hold a strong position.

The ongoing online feud between the two entities is often portrayed as a full-blown battlefield. However, the storytelling prowess of one side will ultimately boost the other’s standing. This might manifest in various ways, such as Marvel making greater efforts to attract top-tier actors for future projects or modifying their scriptwriting approach to mirror their rivals. In essence, the DC Universe‘s prosperity serves to strengthen Marvel, and the reverse is also true.

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2025-06-02 14:07