Excitement is building as new details emerge about the upcoming DC Universe (DCU) soft reboot, set to be helmed by director James Gunn. The latest news is that an actor who previously played a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has confirmed that he will be joining the cast of the new DCU.
Speaking to ComicBook.com, Frank Grillo, the actor who played Crossbones in the MCU, confirmed that he would be making the jump to DC Studios, making him the first actor not returning from a prior role to be cast in James Gunn’s new DCU reboot. Grillo shared that after being left “disappointed” by his role in the MCU, he’s decided to give the comic book movie genre another shot, this time at DC:
“I think there was more meat on the bone [with Crossbones at Marvel]. I was disappointed, which is why I went over to DC.”
Grillo’s move to the DCU marks the first time an actor who did not appear in the previous DCU has been cast in Gunn’s reboot. The actor had previously teased the move on his Instagram account, changing his profile picture to the DC logo and hinting at “something’s coming.” He also commented on James Gunn’s post of the Creature Commandos team artwork with several “fire” emojis, potentially teasing that he may be involved with that DC project.
DC Studios CEO James Gunn has already confirmed that they have “already cast” some members of the Creature Commandos crew, so it’s possible that Grillo’s character may enter the fray in that animated series. The available male characters in the show are believed to be Rick Flag Sr., Dr. Phosphorus, Eric Frankenstein, and G.I. Robot. Looking at the bunch, Flag Sr. – the father of Joel Kinnaman’s Suicide Squad character – seems most likely.
Grillo also teased that he may be working with Ron Perlman, with whom he co-starred in the 2019 western Hell on the Border, in his DC outing. However, no official announcement has been made about Perlman’s involvement in the DCU.
Grillo also had some comments to offer about his frustrating time in the superhero world as Captain America’s Crossbones. It seems that the actor was not satisfied with the amount of screen time and development his character received in the MCU:
“I mean, they kill me off in the third one. I’m never really on screen for very long. It’s hard. It’s hard to…I’m too old to be doing this stuff, so you better get in and get out quick.”
It remains to be seen what role Grillo will play in the new DCU, but his move to the rival comic book universe is certainly an intriguing development. With James Gunn at the helm, and a talented cast of actors on board, fans are eagerly anticipating the new direction the DCU will take.
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