Frank Grillo Gets Candid About the Difference Between Working with Marvel vs. DC — and Which He Prefers More (Exclusive)

Frank Grillo Discusses His Experience Working with Marvel vs. DC and His Preference

Actor Frank Grillo, known for his roles as Brock Rumlow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Rick Flag Sr. in the DC Universe, recently shared insights on his contrasting experiences with the two major comic book franchises. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Grillo delved into the differences between working with Marvel and DC, shedding light on his preferred approach.

Grillo, aged 60, highlighted the distinct working dynamics between the two studios, noting that DC provides a more structured environment with scripts readily available, offering actors a clear understanding of their character arcs and storylines. In contrast, Grillo described Marvel’s approach as more spontaneous and improvisational, requiring actors to adapt quickly to evolving scripts. Despite this difference, Grillo commended Marvel for its execution, albeit acknowledging the challenge it presents to actors.

The seasoned actor reflected on portraying two military characters, Brock Rumlow and Rick Flag Sr., in both franchises, emphasizing their shared commitment to fighting for their beliefs. Grillo recalled memorable on-screen battles, including a gripping fight scene with Chris Evans’ Captain America in Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and a showdown with John Cena’s Peacemaker in the DC Universe. When quizzed on his preferred opponent, Grillo humorously quipped that both were “easy pickings.”

Grillo’s dual presence in both Marvel and DC films aligns with a trend observed in the industry, with actors like Michael Rooker and Sean Gunn, who crossover between the two universes. Director James Gunn, known for his work in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and the DC Universe, shared his perspective on the distinct storytelling approaches of Marvel and DC. Gunn emphasized DC’s focus on standalone narratives within a richly developed universe, contrasting Marvel’s interwoven character arcs.

James Gunn elucidated on the world-building aspect of DC, likening it to franchises like Game of Thrones and Star Wars, where individual stories emerge from a broader universe. He underscored DC’s unique world map, featuring cities like Metropolis and Coast City, distinct from Marvel’s settings. Gunn’s creative direction points towards a diversified narrative framework within the DC Universe, emphasising the exploration of varied heroes and locales.

As Frank Grillo navigates the intricacies of portraying characters in these iconic comic book worlds, his insights offer a glimpse into the nuanced differences between Marvel and DC. The actor’s versatility in embodying diverse roles across both franchises underscores the evolving landscape of superhero storytelling in cinema. With each new project, Grillo’s narrative journey continues to intertwine with the rich tapestry of Marvel and DC, eliciting anticipation from fans eager to witness his portrayal in these larger-than-life universes.

In an industry where comic book adaptations dominate the cinematic landscape, actors like Frank Grillo serve as conduits for bridging the worlds of Marvel and DC, enriching the tapestry of superhero storytelling. As fans await the next chapter in Grillo’s career, his endeavours in both universes symbolise a harmonious balance between two distinct yet interconnected realms of comic book lore.