James Gunn’s DCU reboot brings big surprises, and Rick Flag Sr. appears to be the focus of many of them
Who is Rick Flag Sr. in the DCU?
Known for his direct connection to Rick Flag Jr. and his tragic death in The suicide squad, Rick Flag Sr. is positioned as a key character in the new DC canon. Frank Grillo has confirmed that his story will span across several projects, each of which will show different aspects of his personality and motivations.
In a recent interview, Grillo compared his character to Nick Fury:
“Rick Flag will be around the DCU for a long time. I see him as Sam Jackson’s character in Marvel. “He plays a role that connects several stories, and while his story line isn’t necessarily chronological, his impact will be evident throughout the franchise.”
Rick Flag Sr. and his evolution into Superman
Grillo announced that we will see a more mature Rick Flag Sr. and in a very different role when he appears Superman. His role in this film is far from being a simple soldier.transitioning to a character with more authority and a conflicting goal. According to Grillo:
“When you change departments or roles, your power changes and that affects your behavior. In Superman, my character has something to do with the Man of Steel, but I don’t necessarily agree with that.”
This suggests that his relationship with Superman could be both collaborative and tense, adding layers of complexity to the new DCU.
Furthermore SupermanRick Flag Sr. will continue to deal with the emotional impact of her son’s deatha theme that will directly influence his conflict with Peacemaker in the series’ second season. Grillo implied that this comparison is inevitable:
“The death of a child, especially if murdered, changes a person. It’s a story line that influences everything Rick Flag Sr. does, as he’s constantly thinking about revenge.”
The confrontation with Nick Fury
Grillo’s statement that his character will be the “Nick Fury of the DCU” is ambitious, especially considering this Nick Fury has appeared in more than ten films and three series in the MCUconnecting stories and laying the foundation of the Avengers. According to the actor, Rick Flag Sr. could have a similar role, serving as a link between the different narratives of the DC universe.
James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, confirmed it Commando of creatures It will be the gateway to this new world. The series premiere is scheduled for December 5th on Max, while the second season of Peacemaker will arrive in August 2025. With this, Rick Flag Sr. has a broad and varied path ahead of him, making key connections in the new era of DC.
A leader marked by tragedy
During his journey in the DCU, Rick Flag Sr. promises to be a multifaceted character whose story will not only focus on its military role, but also on the emotions that animate it. Its connection to the death of Rick Flag Jr., which occurred in The suicide squadit is a central theme that defines their actions. This personal tragedy not only serves as a catalyst for his behavior, but also makes him a character the audience can empathize with. The emotional complexity he brings sets him apart from other leaders in the DC Universe..
Compared to characters like Amanda Waller, who also connect different narratives in the DCU, Rick Flag Sr. stands out for his humanity and vulnerability. While Waller operates as a cold, manipulative figure, Flag Sr. appears to be driven by a combination of duty and grief. This duality could make him one of the most memorable characters of the new era of the DCU.
Against Commando of creatures, Superman Yes Peacemaker, James Gunn is building an interconnected universe in which characters like Rick Flag Sr. play an essential role. Although the comparison with Nick Fury raises expectations, the narrative potential of this character seems solid. We’ll just have to wait to see how Rick Flag Sr. will become one of the pillars of the DC reboot.