Moviefone Editorial

Tag: creature-commandos

  • Tom Rhys Harries to star in DC Studios’ ‘Clayface’

    (Left) Elizabeth Henstridge and Tom Rhys Harries in 'Suspicion', now streaming on Apple TV+. (Right) DC Comics' Clayface. Photo: DC Comics.
    (Left) Elizabeth Henstridge and Tom Rhys Harries in ‘Suspicion’, now streaming on Apple TV+. (Right) DC Comics’ Clayface. Photo: DC Comics.

    Preview:

    • Tom Rhys Harries has won the lead in the Clayface movie.
    • James Watkins is in the director’s chair.
    • The movie is set for a September 2026 release date.

    With the current cinematic incarnation of DC Studios, run by James Gunn and Peter Safran launching with Gunn’s take on the Man of Steel, another developing movie from the company took a positive step forward by narrowing in on its lead.

    ‘Clayface’, which will spotlight the shape-shifting Batman villain, has a face at last. Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries has seen off the likes of ’28 Years Later’s Jack O’Connell, ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ Tom Blyth, ‘The White Lotus’ Leo Woodall and ‘1917’s George MacKay to score the title role.

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    James Watkins, who last directed ‘Speak No Evil’, is overseeing the movie, which has seen script work from Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini.

    It’s the next movie that will head into production for the studio, with a 2026 release date planned.

    Related Article: ‘Speak No Evil’ Director James Watkins to Direct ‘Clayface’ for DC Studios and Warner Bros.

    Who is Clayface exactly?

    DC Comics' Clayface. Photo: DC Comics.
    DC Comics’ Clayface. Photo: DC Comics.

    If you’re not up to date on the muddy man-monster, here’s your basic briefing on Clayface as a character.

    Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, the original Clayface, Basil Karlo, appeared in Detective Comics #40, published in June 1940, as a B-list actor who began a life of crime using the identity of a villain that he had portrayed in a horror film.

    Kane stated that the character was partially inspired by the 1925 Lon Chaney version of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’; and that his name was derived from Boris Karloff and Basil Rathbone.

    The character only appeared twice in the Golden Age but was the inspiration for the shape-shifting Silver Age version. And, as is usual in comic books, the name has been used for a number of similar takes on the character.

    In the late 1950s, Batman began facing a series of science fiction-inspired foes, including Matthew Hagen, a treasure hunter given vast shapeshifting powers and resiliency by exposure to a pool of radioactive protoplasm, who became the second Clayface. He retained the title for the next couple of decades of comic book history.

    In the late 1970s, Preston Payne became the third Clayface. A scientist suffering from hyperpituitarism, Preston Payne used the second Clayface’s blood to create a cure for his condition, but instead became a clay-like creature that needed to pass his new condition on to others to survive.

    Sondra Fuller of Strike Force Kobra used the terrorist group’s technology to become the fourth Clayface, also known as Lady Clay. She formed the Mud Pack with the original and third Clayfaces. During this era, the original Clayface used the DNA of Payne and Fuller to become the Ultimate Clayface (talk about bragging!)

    Sometime after the Mud Pack event, Payne and Fuller had a son named Cassius “Clay” Payne, who, as the fifth Clayface, also had metahuman shapeshifting powers.

    That’s just a selection of the character’s alternates, who have appeared over the years in various films, series, animated works, video games and other forms of media.

    Alan Tudyk voices Clayface in the animated series ‘Harley Quinn’ and ‘Creature Commandos.’ Ron Perlman previously voiced him in animated projects ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ and ‘The New Batman Adventures.’ Brian McManamon played the villain on ‘Gotham,’ while Lorraine Burroughs was Clayface on ‘Pennyworth.’

    Gunn and Safran have previously said that actors who play roles in the animated sphere for their DC Studios will also take on the live-action version, but we don’t know if that means Tudyk will return for the movie.

    As for the tone of the movie, Deadline’s sources have heard that the Clayface movie is rumored to be a horror-thriller-tragedy, with the lead protagonist not expected to be portrayed as the notorious villain he’s usually seen as.

    Where else have I seen Tom Rhys Harries?

    (L to R) Kunal Nayyar and Tom Rhys-Harries in 'Suspicion', now streaming on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Kunal Nayyar and Tom Rhys-Harries in ‘Suspicion’, now streaming on Apple TV+.

    Harries feels like a fresh face, but he’s not really a newcomer. The actor has been seen in movies including ‘The Gentlemen’, ‘The Return,’ ‘Kandahar’ and the small screen likes of ‘Doctor Who’ and Apple TV+ series ‘Suspicion.’

    What else is going on in the DC Studios movie universe?

    (L to R) Director James Gunn GUNN and David Corenswet on the set of DC Studios’ and Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'Superman', a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Photo by Jessica Miglio. Copyright: © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Director James Gunn GUNN and David Corenswet on the set of DC Studios’ and Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Superman’, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Photo by Jessica Miglio. Copyright: © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Gunn’s big re-launch of DC-based movies kicks off next month with the launch of the aforementioned ‘Superman,’ featuring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Supes and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. It’ll be in theaters on July 11th.

    Batman, as played by Robert Pattinson in Matt Reeves’ ‘The Batman’ is staying around (a sequel, despite delays, is still being scripted), but he’s as part of the extended “Elseworlds” stories, which exist outside of the DC continuity.

    Gunn and Safran’s original announcement also included mention that ‘Batman: The Brave And The Bold’, was in development, adapting Grant Morrison’s run comics run.

    It features yet another Bruce Wayne who tries to keep his son, Damien Wayne, in line as Robin. It’s intended to launch the “Bat-family” into the movie universe, but has been hit with scripting issues and delays.

    On the confirmed big screen front, ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,’ opens in June 2026, starring Milly Alcock and directed by Craig Gillespie from a script by Ana Nogueira.

    There is also ‘Clayface’ — a horror film about the titular Batman villain — which is currently set to launch in September 2026, and will be directed by James Watkins (‘The Woman in Black’) from a script by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini but is also undergoing re-writes.

    Finally, we have ‘Dynamic Duo’ — an animated feature about Batman’s Robin sidekicks Dick Grayson and Jason Todd — which is tentatively scheduled for June 2028.

    Speaking recently with Rolling Stone, Gunn explained that he doesn’t want substandard movies coming out of his new DC effort:

    “We have to treat every project as if we’re lucky. We don’t have the mandate to have a certain amount of movies and TV shows every year. So we’re going to put out everything that we think is of the highest quality. We’re obviously going to do some good things and some not-so-good things, but hopefully on average everything will be as high-quality as possible. Nothing goes before there’s a screenplay that I personally am happy with.”

    When will the Clayface movie be in theaters?

    With a director and star now aboard, and production plans for a UK shoot at Leavesden Studios in place, Warner Bros. and DC Studios are confirming a September 11th, 2026 release for this one.

    (L to R) James McAvoy (as Dalton) and Director James Watkins on the set of 'Speak No Evil'.
    (L to R) James McAvoy (as Dalton) and Director James Watkins on the set of ‘Speak No Evil’.

    Other Tom Rhys Harries Movies:

    Buy Tom Rhys Harries Movies on Amazon

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  • James Watkins to Direct Clayface Movie

    (Left) Director James Watkins on the set of 'Speak No Evil'. (Right) DC Comics' Clayface. Photo: DC Comics.
    (Left) Director James Watkins on the set of ‘Speak No Evil’. (Right) DC Comics’ Clayface. Photo: DC Comics.

    Preview:

    • James Watkins will direct the ‘Clayface’ movie for Warner Bros.
    • Mike Flanagan wrote the script.
    • The movie would land in theaters in 2026.

    With its revamped cinematic universe set to take flight this July with James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ (and with ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’ in the works from Craig Gillespie as a follow-up), DC Studios –– run by Gunn alongside Peter Safran –– is making moves to hire another filmmaker.

    In this case, the subject is Batman villain Clayface, which has a script in place from ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ and ‘Doctor Sleep’s Mike Flanagan.

    Yet while he’s long accomplished as both a writer and director, he wasn’t expected to take up the main job on the Clayface movie, since he has commitments elsewhere, including to Universal’s continuing ‘Exorcist’ franchise.

    But though DC Studios and parent company Warner Bros. have already been putting feelers (presumably dripping with clay) out about potential casting, the sharper focus has been on finding a director to bring Flanagan’s script to life.

    After buzz last week that the choice was coming down to between ‘Truth or Dare’ and ‘Imaginary’s Jeff Wadlow and ‘Speak No Evil’ remake director James Watkins, The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Watkins has landed the gig.

    According to the Reporter’s sources, DC co-chief Gunn met with Watkins last Thursday for a final presentation that led to the nod. But that’s just one stage –– a deal for Watkins to handle the movie will now be hammered out.

    Related Article: ‘Rebel Ridge’s Aaron Pierre Scores the John Stewart Role in DC Series ‘Lanterns’

    Who is Clayface exactly?

    DC Comics' Clayface. Photo: DC Comics.
    DC Comics’ Clayface. Photo: DC Comics.

    If you’re not up to date on the muddy man-monster, here’s your basic briefing on Clayface as a character.

    Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, the original Clayface, Basil Karlo, appeared in Detective Comics #40, published in June 1940, as a B-list actor who began a life of crime using the identity of a villain that he had portrayed in a horror film.

    Kane stated that the character was partially inspired by the 1925 Lon Chaney version of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’; and that his name was derived from Boris Karloff and Basil Rathbone.

    The character only appeared twice in the Golden Age but was the inspiration for the shape-shifting Silver Age version. And, as is usual in comic books, the name has been used for a number of similar takes on the character.

    In the late 1950s, Batman began facing a series of science fiction-inspired foes, including Matthew Hagen, a treasure hunter given vast shapeshifting powers and resiliency by exposure to a pool of radioactive protoplasm, who became the second Clayface. He retained the title for the next couple of decades of comic book history.

    In the late 1970s, Preston Payne became the third Clayface. A scientist suffering from hyperpituitarism, Preston Payne used the second Clayface’s blood to create a cure for his condition, but instead became a clay-like creature that needed to pass his new condition on to others to survive.

    Sondra Fuller of Strike Force Kobra used the terrorist group’s technology to become the fourth Clayface, also known as Lady Clay. She formed the Mud Pack with the original and third Clayfaces. During this era, the original Clayface used the DNA of Payne and Fuller to become the Ultimate Clayface (talk about bragging!)

    Sometime after the Mud Pack event, Payne and Fuller had a son named Cassius “Clay” Payne, who, as the fifth Clayface, also had metahuman shapeshifting powers.

    That’s just a selection of the character’s alternates, who have appeared over the years in various films, series, animated works, video games and other forms of media.

    Alan Tudyk voices Clayface in the animated series ‘Harley Quinn’ and ‘Creature Commandos.’ Ron Perlman previously voiced him in animated projects ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ and ‘The New Batman Adventures.’ Brian McManamon played the villain on ‘Gotham,’ while Lorraine Burroughs was Clayface on ‘Pennyworth.’

    Gunn and Safran have previously said that actors who play roles in the animated sphere for their DC Studios will also take on the live-action version, but we don’t know if that means Tudyk will return for the movie.

    As for the tone of the movie, Deadline’s sources have heard that the Clayface movie is rumored to be a horror-thriller-tragedy, with the lead protagonist not expected to be portrayed as the notorious villain he’s usually seen as.

    What else has Watkins worked on?

    (L to R) Director James Watkins and Mackenzie Davis (as Louise Dalton) on the set of 'Speak No Evil'.
    (L to R) Director James Watkins and Mackenzie Davis (as Louise Dalton) on the set of ‘Speak No Evil’.

    In addition to ‘Speak No Evil,’ (which made more than $76 million at the worldwide box office on a $15 million budget), Watkins has a history with horror on the big screen and drama on TV.

    He made his directorial debut with 2008 thriller ‘Eden Lake,’ which starred Michael Fassbender and Kelly Reilly as a couple terrorized by a group of youths led by Jack O’Connell.

    He followed that up with 2012’s ‘The Woman in Black,’ a ghost story that starred Daniel Radcliff and 2016 Idris Elba crime thriller ‘Bastille Day.’

    On the small screen, he co-created the crime drama ‘McMafia,’ and directed episodes of ‘Black Mirror’ and 2022’s TV take on ‘The Ipcress File.’

    When will the Clayface movie be in theaters?

    This is one directing deal that will need to come together quickly –– Warner Bros. has already handed out a September 11th, 2026 release date for the movie, so Watkins will likely be putting the pieces together and rolling cameras this year.

    (L to R) Alix West Lefler (as Agnes Dalton), Mackenzie Davis (as Louise Dalton), Scoot McNairy (as Ben Dalton), Director James Watkins and Aisling Franciosi (as Ciara) on the set of 'Speak No Evil'.
    (L to R) Alix West Lefler (as Agnes Dalton), Mackenzie Davis (as Louise Dalton), Scoot McNairy (as Ben Dalton), Director James Watkins and Aisling Franciosi (as Ciara) on the set of ‘Speak No Evil’.

    Other James Watkins Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy James Watkins Movies on Amazon

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  • TV Review: ‘Creature Commandos’

    (L to R) Nina Mazursky, GI Robot, The Bride, Rick Flag Sr., Dr. Phosphorus, Weasel in 'Creature Commandoes'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Nina Mazursky, GI Robot, The Bride, Rick Flag Sr., Dr. Phosphorus, Weasel in ‘Creature Commandoes’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    Launching with its first two episodes (of seven) on December 5th on Max, ‘Creature Commandos’ marks the start of filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran’s run in charge of DC Studios, the arm of Warner Bros. Discovery intended to adapt its sprawling DC Comics properties.

    It faces quite the challenge, since Warners has seen some truly mixed fortunes with the likes of Superman, Batman and the rest, and particularly in combining them via one cohesive cinematic universe.

    Gunn certainly brings some experience to the table, having spent a few years with the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ characters in the MCU (and a wealth of other genre work), plus getting a solid ‘Suicide Squad’ effort into cinemas and, possibly even more importantly, impressing audiences with his take on the Peacemaker character spun off from that on to TV.

    Related Article: Exclusive: Frank Grillo Talks ‘Superman’, ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 and More

    Will ‘Creature Commandos’ Command Your Attention?

    (L to R) Dr. Phosphorus, GI Robot, The Bride, Nina Mazursky, Rick Flag Sr. in 'Creature Commandoes'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Dr. Phosphorus, GI Robot, The Bride, Nina Mazursky, Rick Flag Sr. in ‘Creature Commandoes’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    This very much has the feel of Gunn’s work –– it’s chatty, funny in a dark, sometimes sarcastic way, but is also filled with moments of humanity (even if they’re for characters who are decidedly non-human).

    Here, he’s able to indulge in even more of what he enjoys, including deconstructing tropes (while also using them when needed), poking fun at stalwart concepts such as heroism and moral gray areas and letting a talented cast. That much-aimed for cohesiveness is already showing up, since Frank Grillo, who voices Rick Flag Sr. here, will be bringing the character to live-action for ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2.

    Script and Direction

    (L to R) Dr. Phosphorus, The Bride, Nina Mazursky, Rick Flag Sr., GI Robot, Weasel in 'Creature Commandoes'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Dr. Phosphorus, The Bride, Nina Mazursky, Rick Flag Sr., GI Robot, Weasel in ‘Creature Commandoes’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    Gunn, in typically busy form, wrote all seven episodes, adapting the comics originally created by Pat Broderick and J.M. DeMatteis.

    The story across the episodes follows one mission –– taking down the threat of sorceress Circe (Anya Chalotra) who has tasked what is effectively an incel army obsessed with the all-female island of Themiscyra (AKA Wonder Woman’s home) with attacking a small fictional Eastern European country in the hopes of using its resources to conquer the island, which Circe believes is her right.

    Amanda Waller (Viola Davis, who has played the role across the two ‘Suicide Squad’ movies and ‘Peacemaker’ has to gather who she can to send on the mission to stop them, her resources severely depleted since the disastrous assignment in Gunn’s ‘Squad’ movie.

    (L to R) GI Robot, Dr. Phosphorus, The Bride, Rick Flag Sr., Nina Mazursky, Weasel in 'Creature Commandoes'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) GI Robot, Dr. Phosphorus, The Bride, Rick Flag Sr., Nina Mazursky, Weasel in ‘Creature Commandoes’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    It’s a compelling set up for a misfit mission movie, the various characters quickly proving to be oil and water in their outlooks, and Flag trying to keep them unified (or at least not killing each other… or him).

    The result is an entertaining brew that is filled with plenty of action and drama and also manages to explore the backstories of the various characters (yes, even Weasel has a tragic past).

    Yves “Balak” Bigerel is the show’s supervising director, and he and his team certainly find a style that fits with Gunn’s writing. The animation brings to mind more recent efforts such as ‘Harley Quinn,’ and its dynamic enough for what it needs.

    Performances

    Gunn has recruited an impressive voice cast for the show, with a few standouts…

    Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr.

    (L to R) Rick Flag Sr., Amanda Waller in 'Creature Commandoes'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Rick Flag Sr., Amanda Waller in ‘Creature Commandoes’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    While Flag, pressed into service to lead the team, is more of a straight man to the wilder personalities that make it up, he’s not without depth and a proper storyline. Grillo lends him the appropriate amount of gruff weariness and shows the man’s layers particularly when talking about his late son (in one of several references to ‘The Suicide Squad’).

    Alan Tudyk as Doctor Phosphorus

    Dr. Phosphorus in 'Creature Commandoes'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    Dr. Phosphorus in ‘Creature Commandoes’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    Tudyk has long been an excellent voice-over actor, and his Phosphorus is imbued with all the sarcastic wit you might hope for.

    The actor also takes on a variety of other small roles throughout the show but makes them different enough so that you just enjoy watching them.

    Indira Varma as the Bride

    The Bride in 'Creature Commandoes'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    The Bride in ‘Creature Commandoes’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    The Bride of Frankenstein is one of the more interesting characters on the team, filled with rage and sadness at her creation (or re-birth) purely to serve the interests of a man. It’s one that needed a sure touch, and between Gunn’s writing and Varma’s sensitive, full-throated performance, it works well.

    Zoë Chao as Nina Mazursky

    (L to R) Nina Mazursky, GI Robot, Dr. Phosphorus in 'Creature Commandoes'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Nina Mazursky, GI Robot, Dr. Phosphorus in ‘Creature Commandoes’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    The team’s aquatic mutant, she’s the nerdy, nervier member who has to find her backbone to really fight alongside them. Chao does good work voicing both sides of a character who has one of the more interesting arcs.

    Maria Bakalova as Ilana Rostovic

    (L to R) Princess Ilana, Rick Flag Sr. in 'Creature Commandoes'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) Princess Ilana, Rick Flag Sr. in ‘Creature Commandoes’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    Gunn veteran Bakalova (who voiced Cosmo in the third ‘Guardians’ movie), here voices the princess of the country that Flag and the rest are sent to help. Initially attracted to the old soldier, she reveals some hidden depths and Bakalova is good playing the layers.

    Other notable characters

    (L to R) GI Robot in 'Creature Commandoes'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) GI Robot in ‘Creature Commandoes’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    This being a Gunn production, it surely would be complete without at least one member of his family, and Sean Gunn is back playing both the slavering Weasel (who, as mentioned, gets a convincingly sad backstory) and World War II relic creation G.I. Robot, who is obsessed with slaying Nazis. Sean Gunn brings them both to vibrant vocal life.

    David Harbour, meanwhile, scores a decently meaty role as Eric Frankenstein, the creature created by the literary doctor, who has his own reasons for keeping track of our heroes (and obviously factors into the Bride’s story).

    Final Thoughts

    (L to R) GI Robot, Dr. Phosphorus, Rick Flag Sr. in 'Creature Commandoes'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    (L to R) GI Robot, Dr. Phosphorus, Rick Flag Sr. in ‘Creature Commandoes’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    Not every filmmaker would choose to have the story of a group of violent, strange creatures be the beachhead for their new, linked comic book adaptation universe. But James Gunn is not every filmmaker, and while ‘Creature Commandos’ certainly won’t be to everyone’s taste, it’s quite the calling card.

    His take on Superman will be with us next year and that might give us more an idea of how he handles the traditional hero’s story. For now, though, this group are entertaining and emotional in equal measure.

    And those who are big DC Comics fans will find plenty of references –– not that you have to know them to understand the story –– bringing flavor to the show.

    ‘Creature Commandos’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

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    What’s the story of ‘Creature Commandos’?

    The new DC animated series tracks a secret team of incarcerated monsters recruited for missions deemed too dangerous for humans.

    When all else fails… they’re your last, worst option.

    Who is in the voice cast of ‘Creature Commandos’?

    • Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr.
    • David Harbour as Eric Frankenstein
    • Zoë Chao as Nina Mazursky
    • Sean Gunn as G.I. Robot
    • Alan Tudyk as Doctor Phosphorus and Clayface
    • Indira Varma as the Bride
    • Viola Davis as Amanda Waller
    • Steve Agee as John Economos
    • Maria Bakalova as Princess Ilana Rostovic
    • Anya Chalotra as Circe
    'Creature Commandoes'. Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    ‘Creature Commandoes’. Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    Movies and TV Shows in the DC Universe:

    Buy DC Movies On Amazon

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  • Exclusive News: Frank Grillo Talks ‘Superman’ and More

    (L to R) Frank Grillo and director James Gunn on the set of 'Peacemaker' season 2. Photo: James Gunn's Instagram account.
    (L to R) Frank Grillo and director James Gunn on the set of ‘Peacemaker’ season 2. Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram account.

    Last year Moviefone spoke exclusively to actor Frank Grillo (‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’), and he revealed that he would be working with director James Gunn on an upcoming DC universe project. We guessed that it might be ‘Superman’, but the actor denied it … for the most part.

    It was later revealed officially that Grillo would be playing Rick Flag Sr. in the animated series ‘Creature Commandos’ and eventually other live-action DC projects. We’ve since learned that he will in fact also appear in ‘Peacemaker’ season 2 as Flag and wait for it … Grillo will appear in ‘Superman’ as well.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of once again speaking exclusively with Frank Grillo about his new movie ‘Long Gone Heroes’, which is available in theaters, on digital and on demand September 20th, as well as ‘Hounds of War’, which will be available on VOD September 20th.

    We also spoke to Grillo about shooting ‘Superman’, working with James Gunn, ‘Peacemaker’ season 2, working with John Cena, making ‘Creature Commandos’, and if Joel Kinnaman calls him dad now.

    Related Article: Frank Grillo to play Rick Flag Sr. in DC Universe’s ‘Creature Commandos’

    ‘Superman’

    James Gunn and the cast of 'Superman.'
    (Center) James Gunn and the cast of ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram Account.

    Here is what Grillo said about keeping his appearance in ‘Superman’ a secret:

    “They are so trying to not let anything out prematurely, purely for the audience, purely for the fans. I’ve been terrible at it in the past and have almost been fired. I swore to them I would not, if I had to lie, I’ll lie. I hate to lie, but yeah, I just can’t say anything. I think it’s for the best. Because of the way (James) Gunn and Peter Safran have organized DC, whether it’s ‘Peacemaker’ and ‘Superman’, a lot of it is intertwined. So, if you talk about something, it could be a spoiler. So, you got to be diligent about not just saying too much, you know? By the way, that was my excuse with Marvel. I’m like, “I’m not lying.” They’re like, “Yeah, you are.” I’m like, “I don’t want to lie. It makes me feel bad.” They go, “We don’t care.’”

    He also had this to say about working with James Gunn on ‘Superman’ and other projects:

    “I mean, look, I’ve been on those sets, right? I’ve been on the steps. I’ve been in that world with all of them, with the biggest, right? Especially when I had the little bit in ‘Avengers’, every one of those guys was there. It was so amazing. But James Gunn is a different creature. He’s a different animal, right? He’s an artist who now took over a studio and he’s an active artist. I mean, what he’s written for ‘Creature Commandos’. It’s amazing. When I read his words for ‘Peacemaker’, I’m like, it’s perfect. He’s a creative master, and what they are doing between the business aspect and the creative aspect is mind-boggling to me. So, I think everyone’s going to be happy.”

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    ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2

    John Cena in 'Peacemaker'. Photo: Max.
    John Cena in ‘Peacemaker’. Photo: Max.

    Grillo confirmed that he will appear in ‘Peacemaker’ season 2 saying, “Oh, (I’m in) the whole thing. Yeah.”

    He also had this to say about working with John Cena:

    “There’s another guy. I would think, “Oh, Cena, a wrestler, kind of a thug.” But this guy reads a book every two days. He is the most gracious man I have ever met. Intelligent, funny, strong, but there’s no accidents. I always say there’s no accidents in success. John Cena is exactly where John Cena should be. The guy’s a freak. You know what he does on his spare time in the trailer? He plays the piano!”

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    ‘Creature Commandos’

    DC Studios' 'Creature Commandos.' Photo: DC and Warner Bros.
    DC Studios’ ‘Creature Commandos.’ Photo: DC and Warner Bros.

    The animated series will kick off DC’s ‘Chapter One: Gods and Monsters’ saga and is set to premiere on Max December 5th.

    Grillo had this to say about the new series:

    “I can’t say anything about it, but I’ve seen it. I’ve done it, and it’s funny, it’s heartbreaking, it’s raunchy and it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. So, we’re going to go to (New York) Comic-Con with it in October to show a little bit of it. I’m so excited and I’m excited for James Gunn and Peter Safran, most of all. I really am.”

    Finally, we asked Grillo if he’s met Joel Kinnaman who played Rick Flag Jr. in the ‘Suicide Squad’ movies, and if so, did Kinnaman call him dad?

    “Yeah, Joel and I had to do a couple of things. I didn’t know Joel. We knew each other through mutual friends, but never really knew each other. That’s what I love about this business. Another spectacular guy, spectacular actor. I’m a big fan of his acting, but (he’s) just a great person. I love that guy. He’s a good man. I’m glad he is my son.”

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    David Corenswet as Superman in James Gunn's 'Superman'.
    David Corenswet as Superman in James Gunn’s ‘Superman’. Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram.

    Other Movies and TV Shows Featuring Superman:

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  • Frank Grillo Joins ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2

    Frank Grillo and director James Gunn on the set of 'Peacemaker' season 2.
    (L to R) Frank Grillo and director James Gunn on the set of ‘Peacemaker’ season 2. Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram account.

    Preview:

    • Frank Grillo will join ‘Peacemaker’ for Season 2.
    • He’s playing Rick Flag Sr.
    • It’s a role he’ll also voice in the animated series Creature Commandos.

    We already knew that genre favorite and all-round bad-ass Frank Grillo had made the leap from the MCU to DC for one of the first projects in James Gunn’s new vision for the DC universe of movies and TV series, as he’d been cast to voice Rick Flag Sr. in the animated series ‘Creature Commandos’.

    Now, though, he’s taking Rick into live-action territory, as he’ll also play the character in Season 2 of ‘Peacemaker’, which was created by Gunn.

    Gunn hit Instagram to announce the news:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C6y0CbuAZhn/

    What’s the story of ‘Peacemaker’?

    John Cena in 'Peacemaker'.
    John Cena in ‘Peacemaker’. Photo: Max.

    ‘Peacemaker’ continues the story of Christopher Smith (John Cena), the violent, insecure vigilante who was first brought to cinema screens in Gunn’s 2021 ‘The Suicide Squad’.

    The series broadened and –– yes, even deepened –– our understanding of the character, showing his fractured family background and even more neuroses. All the while introducing an alien scheme to take over the world and a group of other characters he interacts with.

    For the first season, the show’s cast included Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Freddie Stroma, Chukwudi Iwuji, Steve Agee, and Robert Patrick. And not forgetting the best of them all –– Peacemaker’s faithful bird pal Eagly (himself), who often helped his friend out of scrapes.

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    What will happen in ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2?

    John Cena in HBO Max's 'Peacemaker.'
    John Cena in HBO Max’s ‘Peacemaker.’

    Nothing has been revealed about what the second season will be about, though there were some dangling plot threads.

    But with the presence of Flag Sr., we have one very big clue. Because in ‘The Suicide Squad’, Smith was ordered to stop Rick Flag Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) from delivering evidence to the press of the American government’s involvement in an alien conspiracy. He did so by killing him. You’d have to figure that Flag’s dad will come looking for a little vengeance…

    Who is making ‘Peacemaker’?

    Frank Grillo and director James Gunn on the set of 'Peacemaker' season 2.
    (L to R) Frank Grillo and director James Gunn on the set of ‘Peacemaker’ season 2. Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram account.

    Gunn wrote all of Season 1 and it appears he’s also scripted the vast majority of the second season, also. He directed five of that season’s eight-episode run.

    And despite already being hard at work on ‘Superman’ (which is in production for an 11th July 2025 release), he’s somehow found time to direct several episodes of the new ‘Peacemaker’ season.

    Related Article: Frank Grillo Talks ‘Lights Out’ and DC Studio’s ‘Creature Commandos’

    What is ‘Creature Commandos’?

    DC Studios' 'Creature Commandos.'
    DC Studios’ ‘Creature Commandos.’ Photo: DC and Warner Bros.

    ‘Creature Commandos’ adapts Pat Broderick and| J.M. DeMatteis’ comic book series, and focuses on a black ops team of monsters assembled by Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), led by Flag Sr. Among the characters we have the Bride of Frankenstein, Dr. Phosphorous, Eric Frankenstein, G.I. Robot and Weasel.

    The show will launch on the Max streaming service later this year.

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    When will ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 be on screens?

    James Gunn has yet to announce when ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 will arrive on Max, but in Eagly we trust!

    John Cena in HBO Max's 'Peacemaker.'
    John Cena in HBO Max’s ‘Peacemaker.’

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  • ‘Teen Titans’ Live-Action Movie in the Works

    Max's 'Titans.'
    Max’s ‘Titans.’ Photograph by Courtesy of HBO Max.

    Preview:

    • A ‘Teen Titans’ live-action movie is planned for DC Studios.
    • Ana Nogueira has been hired to write the script.
    • We can expect to see the likes of Robin, Kid Flash and more hit screens.

    While none of the movies or TV shows in the big announcement made by James Gunn and Peter Safran, the filmmaker/producer duo who run the current incarnation of DC Studios for Warner Bros., have arrived yet (the ‘Creature Commandoes‘ are on their way to TV screens while Gunn’s ‘Superman’ will launch the big screen reboot next year), we’re already to the point where new projects are being, if not officially confirmed, then reported on.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Teen Titans are headed to theaters in live-action form.

    Who are the Teen Titans?

    DC Comic's Teen Titans.
    DC Comic’s Teen Titans. Photo: DC Comics.

    The characters, usually sidekicks to main heroes, have been a team in DC Comics since their first appearance together in ‘The Brave and the Bold’ title in 1964. Created by Bob Haney and Bruno Premiani, the group has naturally been through different evolutions in their time (they are comic book characters, after all), but the group usually includes some version of Robin (often Damien Wayne), Kid Flash (Wally West), Aqualad as well as Wonder Girl. Other teens such as Speedy, the sidekick to Green Arrow, and Raven joined the adventures later.

    They went through a big change in the 1980s, when they started to become much more popular. But they have exploded in status in the last couple of decades mostly thanks to their TV adaptations. ‘Teen Titans Go!’ the animated, comedic and frequently meta take on DC has run for eight seasons on Cartoon Network, airing close to 400 episodes. The series also spawned a feature film, ‘Teen Titans Go! To the Movies’, which was released in theaters in July 2018

    And then there’s ‘Titans’, the darker, moodier live-action series that launched in 2018 on DC’s short-lived digital arm DC Universe, before moving to Max and running for four seasons.

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    Who will be appearing in the ‘Teen Titans’ movie?

    Ryan Potter, Joshua Orpin, Brenton Thwaites, Anna Diop in 'Titans.'
    (L to R) Ryan Potter, Joshua Orpin, Brenton Thwaites, Anna Diop in ‘Titans.’ Photograph by Ben Mark Holzberg/HBO Max.

    The movie is still at far too early a stage for casting to be revealed or even considered. But we can at least hope that a couple of voices/faces from the various TV incarnations at least get to cameo or are referenced in the movie.

    And the plan truly is for DC Studios movies to be connected, could we see a brief appearance from whoever ends up playing Batman, set to be introduced in the ‘Brave and the Bold’ adaptation? Wishful thinking, perhaps…

    Who is making the ‘Teen Titans’ movie?

    James Gunn in 'Superpowered: The DC Story.'
    James Gunn in ‘Superpowered: The DC Story.’ Photograph by Courtesy of Max/Warner Bros.

    So far, the only people involved are Gunn and Safran, who will produce the new movie.

    They, in turn, have recruited writer Ana Nogueira to write the script for the new movie. Nogueira, who kicked off her career acting in the likes of ‘The Vampire Diaries’ and ‘The Michael J. Fox Show’, has been scoring some big writing jobs of late, including the screenplay for ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’, which will star Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El.

    Related Article: Milly Alcock Lands the Role as the DC Movie Universe’s New Supergirl

    Max's 'Titans.'
    Max’s ‘Titans.’ Photograph by Courtesy of HBO Max.

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  • ‘Lights Out’ Exclusive Interview: Frank Grillo

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    Opening in theaters, on digital and On Demand February 16th is the new action thriller ‘Lights Out,’ which was directed by Christian Sesma (‘Section Eight’) and stars Frank Grillo (‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’), Mekhi Phifer (‘8 Mile’), Dermot Mulroney (‘Scream VI’), Scott Adkins (‘John Wick: Chapter 4’) and Jamie King (‘Sin City’).

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Frank Grillo about his work on ‘Lights Out,’ his first reaction to the screenplay, why Duffy was a perfect character for him to play, Duffy’s friendship with Max, working with Mekhi Phifer, and shooting the fight sequences.

    Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” and Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” in the action/thriller, 'Lights Out,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    (L to R) Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” and Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    The actor also talked about his work on DC Studio’s upcoming animated series ‘Creature Commandos,’ if he’s finished recording and who he recorded with, when it will be released, when we might see him reprise his character in future DCU live-action projects, and a conformation that he will definitely not be in ‘Superman: Legacy.’

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jamie King and director Christian Sesma.

    Scott Adkins as “Don ‘The Reaper’ Richter,” Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” and Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” in the action/thriller, 'Lights Out,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    (L to R) Scott Adkins as “Don ‘The Reaper’ Richter,” Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” and Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    Moviefone: To begin with, what was your first reaction to the screenplay, and did you realize admittedly that Duffy was a perfect Frank Grillo character?

    Frank Grillo: The screenplay was a solid C+ when I first read it. It was okay, but it was a home run for me. I knew I could knock this one out of the park, so I was not concerned with that. I wanted to get the script to a place where it made sense, and it worked. Look, my buddy Stallone did a movie called ‘Rambo,’ and it’s that guy that I love. It’s that exact kind of character. I’m not comparing myself to the great Sylvester Stallone, but it’s that world.

    MF: To follow up, what were some of the changes you wanted made to the script so that this it would work for you?

    FG: There was some structural stuff. I can’t get into all of it, but I needed the script to flow a little differently. Then there were some tropes and cliches that needed to come out and kind of make it where people talk less and do more, which I find makes action movies a little bit more interesting. Then to build a relationship with Mekhi’s character and my character, because I thought that was the heart and the core of the film. So, stuff like that, but you got all those great actors. I knew everybody was capable.

    Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” and Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” in the action/thriller, 'Lights Out,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    (L to R) Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” and Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    MF: Can you talk about that relationship between Max and Duffy, why Duffy chooses to help this man that he hardly knows, and what it was like working with Mekhi Phifer?

    FG: I think he chooses to help him because I truly think there’s something about Mekhi that draws him in. I think Duffy needs a purpose. He wants to get a headstone for his mother. That’s kind of a reason for him to make believe he wants to go to a certain place, but he finds somebody who gives him a purpose. We never feel more enlightened than when we’re helping somebody else. I think it gives him a sense of that. Mekhi is, as charming as he is on-screen, he’s 10 times as charming in person, and we’re both New Yorkers. I fell in love with Mekhi the minute I met him, I mean immediately. It was a 30-year relationship in 12 minutes. So, I knew on screen, much like I did with Anthony Mackie when we did ‘Point Blank’ together, it would be this cool combination. I love movies where there’s a black guy and a white guy. I just love it culturally when they mix it up. I’m Italian and we’re both from New York, and I think it comes across really cool on screen. I love that dynamic. I really do. I know everybody’s politically correct, but Mekhi and I even got a chance to kind of play with that thing, you know what I mean? That’s what life is about. Then after that, we did another movie together. I had another movie that I put together, a bigger movie, and he was my choice. He was my guy. I said, “Please come and do this,” and he did. We went to Columbia and Puerto Rico together and that’s the kind of relationship that it blossomed into.

    MF: Can you talk about preparing and working out the choreography for the fight sequences?

    FG: I mean, at this point I didn’t know the fight coordinator well, although he was good. My stunt coordinator, my double, comes with me on every movie, Greg Fitzpatrick, who’s done stuff with Robert Downey Jr. He’s been with Downey for a long time, and all of Ben Stiller‘s stuff. He’s so amazing. I know we didn’t have a lot of time, so we came in and choreographed at least all my stuff, all the fights, to make them authentic. This is about underground fighting. It shouldn’t look like ‘John Wick.’ Hats off to Brandon Burrows, the producer, because once I saw the original cut and the fights, I said, no Bueno. This all looks fake, and you got to make this so that the one judicious guy in the back who knows fighting says,” I believe that.” I think that’s what we kind of were able to pull off. It was Herculean to get it to the place that it is, but when I saw the final cut, I’m like, “Wow, I’m impressed.” If people knew the effort that it took to get it to that, you’d have to appreciate it a bunch more, and Brandon, the producer, was a big part of this.

    Related Article: Frank Grillo to play Rick Flag Sr. in DC Universe’s ‘Creature Commandos’

    DC Studios' 'Creature Commandos.'
    DC Studios’ ‘Creature Commandos.’ Photo: DC and Warner Bros.

    MF: The last time we spoke you revealed that you will be starring in the animated series ‘Creature Commandos,’ which will be the first TV series from James Gunn’s new DC Universe. Have you finished recording for the first season, and were you able to record with the other actors?

    FG: Yes. I recorded with (David) Harbour and I may have recorded with Maria (Bakalova). But it’s great. I love James Gunn and Peter Safran and what they’re doing at DC and for the DCU, and these characters are living in all their movies. I’m going to be around for a while, and I wish I could tell you what I have coming up with them, but I can’t. But it’s exciting. I was just with the Russo Brothers, Kevin Feige and Lou D’Esposito and it’s kind of like, “I miss those guys, but you blew it.” Now we’re going over here.

    MF: Do you know when the series will premiere?

    FG: Yes. I believe Sean Gunn just said something (about it). I believe around end of the summer, beginning of the fall.

    Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn.
    Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn. Photo courtesy of James Gunn’s Twitter account.

    MF: James Gunn has mentioned that the characters in ‘Creature Commandos’ will also appear in live-action DCU projects in the future. Do you personally know when your character will appear in live-action and what project it will be?

    FG: Yes, I do. Again, in a world filled with great talent, actors and famous movie stars, I mean what James Gunn and Peter Safran has entrusted in me with this character and with the future of what they’re doing in that company, I’m humbled.

    MF: Finally, is it possible we’ll see you in ‘Superman: Legacy’?

    FG: No. I wish.

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    What is the Plot of ‘Lights Out’?

    A drifting ex-soldier (Frank Grillo) turns underground fighter with the help of a just released ex-con (Mekhi Phifer), pitting them both against corrupt cops (Jamie King) and hired killers (Dermot Mulroney) gunning for them and all those they care about.

    Who is in the Cast of ‘Lights Out’?

    Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” and Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” in the action/thriller, 'Lights Out,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    (L to R) Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” and Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

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  • Sean Gunn to play Maxwell Lord for DC Studios

    (Left) Sean Gunn as Kraglin in Marvel Studios' 'The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special,' exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jessica Miglio. © 2022 Marvel. (Right) DC Comics' Maxwell Lord. Photo: DC Comics.
    (Left) Sean Gunn as Kraglin in Marvel Studios’ ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Jessica Miglio. © 2022 Marvel. (Right) DC Comics’ Maxwell Lord. Photo: DC Comics.

    Preview:

    • Seann Gunn will work again with filmmaker brother James Gunn.
    • He’ll play Maxwell Lord across several DC Studios projects.
    • The plan is reportedly to introduce him in the background of ‘Superman: Legacy’

    We all know James Gunn likes working with friends and family he finds have talent. And among them, his brother Sean has turned out to be among the best.

    He has played a variety of roles across the writer/director’s work but might be best known as both Kraglin and providing all the performance capture/initial acting as Rocket Raccoon on the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ trilogy.

    Now, according to Deadline, Sean Gunn is taking a new role in the DC Studios universe (he previously played Weasel in ‘The Suicide Squad’, who pops up in animated series ‘Creature Commandos’).

    But going forward, it appears he’ll be more known as human villain Maxwell Lord.

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    Who is Maxwell Lord?

    DC Comics' Maxwell Lord.
    DC Comics’ Maxwell Lord. Photo: DC Comics.

    The character’s origins in the DC comic book universe date back to issue #1 of the 1987 ‘Justice League’ comic book series, created by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire. At first glance, he’s a cunning businessman and an ally to the members of the Justice League, who was fundamental in orchestrating Justice League International. His unsuspecting charm even won over characters such as Blue Beetle and the Martian Manhunter.

    But then, in ‘Justice League International’, issue #12, we learn that Lord had been doing the bidding of an evil computer in an attempt to replace all world leaders with robots. Though he did end up destroying the computer and breaking free from its influence, it wasn’t long before Lord became a powerful foe of his own accord: after gaining a metahuman ability in 1988’s
    ‘Invasion!’ limited series, Lord began to unleash his mind-control powers against humanity.

    Pedro Pascal played the character in 2020’s ‘Wonder Woman 1984’, a businessman who discovers a powerful relic that can grant wishes and uses it to snatch power and influence for himself.

    Pedro Pascal as Maxwell "Max Lord" Lorenzano in 'Wonder Woman 1984.'
    Pedro Pascal as Maxwell “Max Lord” Lorenzano in ‘Wonder Woman 1984.’ Photo: Warner Bros.

    How will Maxwell Lord work in DC Studios movies?

    Sean Gunn as Kraglin in Marvel Studios' 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.'
    Sean Gunn as Kraglin in Marvel Studios’ ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 Marvel.

    James Gunn has yet to officially confirm the news, though it’s a fair bet that he’ll keep on working with his brother. Deadline has heard that Sean Gunn’s Lord will be referenced in the background of ‘Superman: Legacy’ (which his brother is about to start directing, with David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Supes and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane).

    He’ll have more of a role to play in future movies and, potentially, TV series.

    Related Article: Every Movie James Gunn has Written, Directed or Produced Ranked!

    What’s the story of ‘Superman: Legacy’?

    (Left) David Corenswet in Netflix's 'The Politician.' (Right) Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video's 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.'
    (Left) David Corenswet in Netflix’s ‘The Politician.’ (Right) Rachel Brosnahan on Prime Video’s ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.’

    Little is truly known about the plotline at this point, but Gunn has been clear that he’s eschewing the usual exploding home planet Krypton/arrival in Smallville origin story (though those will likely be referenced) in favor of more of a workplace film with Clark showing up to work at the Planet, where Lois will already be an established reporting star.

    Peter Safran said this about the new movie during the duo’s big announcement about DC films and series going forward:

    “It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.”

    When will ‘Superman: Legacy’ be in theaters?

    According to James Gunn, the film remains on track to start shooting next year with a planned release of July 11th, 2025.

    Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn and Superman.
    (Left) Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn. Photo courtesy of James Gunn’s Twitter account. (Right) Superman. Photo courtesy of DC Comics.com.

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  • James Gunn Confirms Three Actors Staying in the DCU

    (Left) Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure Blue Beetle,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Hopper Stone/SMPSP/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC. (Center) Viola Davis as Amanda Waller in 2016's 'Suicide Squad.' (Right) John Cena in HBO Max's 'Peacemaker.'
    (Left) Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure Blue Beetle,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Hopper Stone/SMPSP/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC. (Center) Viola Davis as Amanda Waller in 2016’s ‘Suicide Squad.’ (Right) John Cena in HBO Max’s ‘Peacemaker.’

    When ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ arrives in December, it’ll make the official demarcation point between what was known by fans as the DC Extended Universe (or the “Snyderverse” given Zack Snyder’s extensive involvement in launching it with ‘Man of Steel’ and other movies) and the DC Studios era currently being shepherded by filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran, who are sharing the duties of running the Warner Bros. arm.

    And fans are naturally interested to know whether there will be much crossover between actors from the previous movie universe and the Gunn/Safran era, which has often sounded like a reboot, bringing in lots of new elements.

    Henry Cavill, for instance, is no longer playing Clark Kent/Superman, with Gunn preparing ‘Superman: Legacy’, which will see David Corenswet taking over the role, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.

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    The future for Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman is also cloudy, as despite comments from the actor herself, there is no official confirmation that she’ll be back. Gunn announced a series set in the days of the Amazon warriors before Diana Prince’s birth as part of his first batch of projects.

    So, who will be sticking around? Given that at least two of them were part of shows that Gunn has previously said will be part of his plans, they are not a surprise, but he’s now gone on the record again.

    Related Article: David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan to play Clark Kent and Lois Lane in ‘Superman: Legacy’

    John Cena and Viola Davis to remain

    James Gunn in 'Superpowered: The DC Story.'
    James Gunn in ‘Superpowered: The DC Story.’ Photograph by Courtesy of Max/Warner Bros.

    According to Gunn’s latest comments, both Viola Davis (who plays ambitious Suicide Squad wrangler Amanda Waller) and gung-ho vigilante Peacemaker himself, John Cena, will both be sticking around.

    Commenting on the questions, Gunn wrote:

    “Nothing is cannon until ‘Creature Commandos’ next year –– a sort of aperitif to the DCU –– & then a deeper dive into the universe with ‘Superman: Legacy’ after that. It’s a very human drive to want to understand everything all the time, but I think it’s okay to be confused on what’s happening in the DCU since no one has seen anything from the DCU yet. And, yes, some actors will be playing characters they’ve played in other stories & some plot points might be consistent with plot points from dozens of films, shows & animated projects that have come from DC in the past. But nothing is canon until ‘CC’ and ‘Legacy’.”

    ‘Creature Commandos’ will feature a voice cast that includes Davis as Waller, and a ‘Peacemaker’ spin-off featuring the character has been announced. Cena, meanwhile, will be back for the planned second season of ‘Peacemaker’ (even if it’ll likely have to wait until ‘Waller’ and ‘Legacy’ are complete).

    Xolo Maridueña will still be Blue Beetle

    Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure Blue Beetle,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure Blue Beetle,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Hopper Stone/SMPSP/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

    Gunn has previously said that Xolo Maridueña, who starred as Jaime Reyes, the main character in this year’s ‘Blue Beetle’ will be staying around, despite the movie’s relatively low $125 million worldwide gross (from an estimated budget of $104 million before marketing costs). He hasn’t specified since then, and there is no ‘Blue Beetle’ sequel on the books, but Maridueña could well show up in other projects.

    ‘Creature Commandos’ will be on Max next year, while ‘Superman: Legacy’ is scheduled for release on July 11th, 2025. With the WGA strike now over, the writer/director can get back to work on the script, while hopes are high that the actors will be available once SAG-AFTRA’s own industrial action is complete, and performers have a decent new deal from the studios.

    DC's 'Creature Commandos'
    DC’s ‘Creature Commandos’ Photo: DC.com.

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    Please click on the video player below to watch our interview with James Gunn and Chris Pratt for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.’

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  • UPDATE: Frank Grillo Cast in DC Universe’s ‘Creature Commandos’

    Frank Grillo in DirecTV's 'Kingdom.'
    Frank Grillo in DirecTV’s ‘Kingdom.’

    While it seems that director and co-chairman of DC Studios James Gunn makes news almost every day when answering questions on Twitter about his upcoming plans for the DC Universe, he has yet to announce any cast members for ‘Superman: Legacy,’ which he will also write and direct. But that doesn’t mean that Gunn hasn’t already cast some actors in a few roles.

    Now, in an exclusive interview with Moviefone for his new movie ‘One Day as a Lion,’ which was released in select theaters on April 4th and will be available On Digital and On Demand April 7th, ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ and ‘The Purge: Anarchy’ actor Frank Grillo has hinted that he will soon be working with James Gunn on an upcoming DC Universe project.

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    What did Frank Grillo say about Working with DC?

    While speaking with Grillo for ‘One Day as a Lion,’ we asked the actor what project he was excited to work on next and the actor dropped this bomb:

    “I’m excited to go play with James Gunn in the DC Universe, believe it or not. He’s got some great ideas and we’re going to go and have some fun there. That’s about as much as I can say without getting fired, I think. James Gunn and Peter Safran they got some great things happening over there, and James called me and said, “It’s ready for you. We’re ready for you to come work at DC and we have a great project.” It is a really cool thing and some amazing people are attached to it. I think James and Peter are going to rock the world with DC.”

    We followed up by asking the actor if the project he is talking about will start shooting soon, and if we can expect official casting announcements shortly:

    “I think so, as we gear up to do it, which is in the next month, they’ll probably release more. And those guys are the opposite of Marvel. They’re like, “Let’s talk about it. Let’s get it out there. Let’s have fun.” It’s far less constricting. I almost got fired from ‘Captain America’ at least a dozen times because I didn’t know the routine. But these guys are much cooler.”

    Frank Grillo in car
    Frank Grillo in ‘A Day to Die.’

    Related Article: James Gunn Directing ‘Superman: Legacy’

    Will Frank Grillo be in ‘Superman: Legacy?’

    While the actor was vague about what DC project he would be working on, simple deduction says it’s probably ‘Superman: Legacy,’ since he mentioned the project should start shooting next month, and that is the first film planned for the new DC Universe. It’s also easy to think Grillo is referring to ‘Superman’ because he specifically said, “I’m excited to go play with James Gunn,” who is writing and directing ‘Legacy.’

    However, since Gunn is also the co-chairman of DC Studios, and in theory would be involved in any project they are planning, Grillo could be referring to another DC Universe project. Maybe the upcoming TV series ‘Waller’ with Viola Davis or even the movie ‘The Brave and the Bold,’ which will center on Batman and Robin, and Grillo would make a fantastic Dark Knight.

    There is also a strong possibility that Grillo has been cast in the HBO Max animated series ‘Creature Commandos,’ which could be starting production shortly as well. If that is the case, then it will only be a voice role at first, but Gunn’s plan is for the same voice actors to also play their characters in live-action eventually.

    Fuel was added to this theory when Grillo recently posted to Instagram that he and ‘Hellboy‘ actor Ron Perlman “did a little film together a while back,” over an image of a DC casting rumor article continuing to say, “Could this be two,” indicating that he and Perlman have another project coming soon that may be DC related. Rumor is that Grillo would voice Rick Flag Sr., father of Joel Kinnaman‘s Rick Flag Jr. from ‘Suicide Squad‘ and Gunn’s own ‘The Suicide Squad,‘ with Perlman voicing Eric Frankenstein.

    However, Grillo’s post specifically indicates that his DC project with Perlman is there second “film” together, which would rule out the series ‘Creature Commandos,’ so its entirely possible both actors are attached to a DC Universe movie, and again, ‘Superman: Legacy’ is the obvious choice.

    In one last effort to get Grillo to spill the beans, we asked the actor if the project he was talking about involved a character that was from another planet and sent to Earth as a baby (clearly referring to Superman). Grillo replied:

    “You might be on the right track … or you might not.”

    Frank Grillo as Pauly Russo in the action/thriller, 'One Day as a Lion,' a Lionsgate release.
    Frank Grillo as Pauly Russo in the action/thriller, ‘One Day as a Lion,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

    Who is Frank Grillo?

    Frank Grillo has been a fixture on television and in films for over two decades. You’d recognize him from such popular TV programs as ‘The Shield,’ ‘Prison Break,’ ‘Kingdom,’ and ‘Billions.’

    The actor has also appeared in countless movies including ‘The Mambo Kings,’ ‘Minority Report,’ ‘Edge of Darkness,’ Warrior,’ ‘The Grey,’ ‘End of Watch,’ ‘Zero Dark Thirty,’ ‘Gangster Squad,’ ‘Homefront,’ ‘Copshop,’ ‘A Day to Die,’ and ‘Paradise Highway.’

    But Grillo is probably best known for his work in two extremely popular franchises, ‘The Purge’ and Marvel Studios. He played Sgt. Leo Barnes in ‘The Purge: Anarchy’ and ‘The Purge: Election Year,’ and in the MCU portrayed Brock Rumlow/Crossbones in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier,’ ‘Captain America: Civil War,’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame.’

    Whether or not Frank Grillo will really be in ‘Superman: Legacy’ is truly yet to be known, but it will be interesting to see if the actor makes the move from Marvel to DC.

    UPDATE: 

    The mystery has been solved! We now know, via The Wrap, that Grillo will in fact be voicing Rick Flag Sr. in the ‘Creature Commandos’ animated series that James Gunn has planned as part of his “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters” initial phase of the new DC movie and TV universe.

    ‘Creature Commandos’, which features a motley crew of beasts and others who go on missions, a little like an even weirder ‘Suicide Squad.’

    And talking of, Rick Flag Sr served in the original Suicide Squad, a World War II unit, and later joined Task Force X after the war. He is a highly skilled soldier and strategist, with a strong sense of duty and loyalty to his country. Flag is often portrayed as a no-nonsense, by-the-book type of character, who is willing to make tough decisions in order to achieve his objectives.

    Not too much is known about the series so far, save that Gunn has written all the episodes and it’s in production now. His brother Sean Gunn will be voicing –– if the guttural sounds he makes can be said to be a “voice” –– Weasel from the ‘The Suicide Squad’ and we can expect more casting news in the coming weeks and months.

    And Gunn is looking to have actors play the roles across animation and live-action, so chances are Grillo will be showing up elsewhere in the DC universe in future.

    DC's 'Creature Commandos'
    DC’s ‘Creature Commandos’ Photo: DC.com.

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    ‘One Day as a Lion’  is now available in select theaters and will be available On Digital and On Demand on April 7, 2023.

    To watch our video interviews with Frank Grillo, director John Swab, and screenwriter and actor Scott Caan about their new film ‘One Day as a Lion,’ please click on the video player below.

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