Frank Grillo Reveals Truly Wild Connection Between His Work On Superman And Captain America: The Winter Soldier

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It’s worth noting that Frank Grillo has etched his name in film history by starring in significant roles not just in one but in both Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and DC Extended Universe (DCEU) movies. Interestingly, there seems to be a more intimate connection between his characters in these two universes than we initially perceived.

In a twist of fate, Frank Grillo portrayed Crossbones for Marvel Studios before transitioning into the roles of Rick Flag Sr., both in animation and live-action, under James Gunn’s direction in DCU. Interestingly, in both these roles, his character found himself apprehending a superhero. In the movie “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” he captured Captain America, while in “Superman,” he took the Man of Steel into custody as well. It’s quite amusing that these two arrest scenes were filmed just a few blocks apart in Cleveland, according to Grillo’s statement to Brandon Davis…

Incidentally, we actually apprehended Captain America in that very spot. Yes, it was on that particular street. And guess where I captured him? Just around the corner! Isn’t it mind-blowing? I arrested Captain America just a block away.

In the vast realm of cinematic serendipity, this particular instance truly takes the cake. Now, it’s not unusual for Cleveland to serve as a filming location, but let’s face it, it’s no Los Angeles or Georgia, with their bustling studios. The mere fact that these two movies decided to shoot there is intriguing enough, but when I learned they shared similar scenes and the same actor in those scenes, my jaw hit the floor! I mean, can someone with a calculator please enlighten me on the probability of such an occurrence? This one has ‘statistical anomaly’ written all over it.

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve always been upfront about my slight disappointment with how Crossbones was handled in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). There were rumors, or at least discussions, about expanding his role as a formidable antagonist for Captain America, but sadly, these never came to fruition. The character’s untimely demise in Captain America: Civil War marked the end of his storyline, and since then, he’s been notably absent from the MCU.

Frank Grillo has made a greater mark on the DC Universe (which launched this year) than he ever did with Marvel. He’s the only actor who has been involved in every DC project to date – providing the voice for Rick Flag Sr. in the animated “Creature Commandos,” and then starring live-action roles in both “Superman” and “Peacemaker” Season 2. Interestingly, this brings him full circle as he found himself once again arresting a superhero wearing a blue costume on the streets of Cleveland – demonstrating that some things remain constant.

@brandonbddavis ♬ original sound – Brandon Davis

With a new Superman movie coming up and Cleveland officially serving as its stand-in for Metropolis, it’s likely filming will resume there. Given that Grillo has already played a significant role in the DC Universe, there’s a strong possibility he’ll reappear in this sequel. Despite time and universe differences, Frank Grillo always finds his mark, and it seems he’ll continue to do so on Superior Street in Cleveland.

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2025-09-13 00:38