Frank Grillo recently shared his thoughts on working with both Marvel and DC, giving fans a rare glimpse into the contrasting ways the two superhero universes operate. The 60-year-old actor, known for his intense action roles, has the unique distinction of appearing in both franchises.
Grillo played Brock Rumlow, aka Crossbones, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and more recently portrayed Rick Flag Sr. in James Gunn’s DC Universe.
He is also set to appear in the upcoming Superman movie and the second season of Peacemaker.
Speaking to People at the Peacemaker Season 2 premiere, Grillo highlighted the differences in how the two studios handle their productions.
“It’s different. It’s not organized in the same way,” he explained. “With DC, all the scripts are given to you, so you have a clear sense of what’s happening.”
In contrast, he described Marvel’s approach as more unpredictable: “Marvel was a little fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants. It’s done very well, but for me, it was a bit nerve-wracking.”
While he acknowledged that both methods are effective, Grillo admitted he prefers the structured environment of DC. “There’s nothing wrong with it,” he said, “but I like knowing exactly what’s coming.”
Grillo is among a select group of actors to have appeared in both Marvel and DC projects, joining the ranks of stars like Ryan Reynolds, Ben Affleck, and Michael Keaton.
In the Marvel universe, he brought to life Brock Rumlow, a Hydra agent turned villain Crossbones, who faced off against Captain America in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Civil War.
In DC, he has stepped into the role of Rick Flag Sr., the father of Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag Jr., and will reprise the role in Gunn’s Peacemaker series.
His addition to the DCU signals a deeper dive into its expanding roster of gritty characters.
Playful take on fight scenes
When asked which cinematic universe gave him the toughest on-screen fights, the Boss Level star didn’t hold back.
“I had no problem beating the crap out of either one of them,” Grillo joked. “I mean … I don’t know. They were both easy pickings.”
Known for his tough-guy persona and intense fight choreography, Grillo has often been cast as a soldier or enforcer, making him a natural fit for both Marvel and DC’s high-octane storylines.
With his dual presence in both superhero franchises, Grillo is cementing his legacy as one of Hollywood’s go-to action stars.
His role in DC’s Superman and ongoing work in Peacemaker Season 2 are expected to expand his profile further among comic book fans.
As for whether he prefers Marvel or DC, the actor kept it diplomatic though his comments make clear he appreciates DC’s structure a little more.
For audiences, his ability to seamlessly shift between both worlds is proof that Frank Grillo is one of the few stars tough enough to handle two superhero universes at once.
