By Pavethran Batmanathen,
James Gunn has once again stirred conversation among DC fans, this time with a behind-the-scenes photo celebrating actor Frank Grillo’s birthday. The image gives a new look at Grillo as Rick Flag Sr. in the upcoming Superman film, yet it’s not the character’s role or costume that has sparked the most buzz, but rather his hair.
Fans who have been closely following Gunn and Peter Safran’s efforts to reshape the DC Universe (DCU) immediately noticed a stark difference between this new live-action portrayal and Rick Flag Sr.’s animated appearance in Creature Commandos. In the animated series, the character sports noticeably gray hair. But in the photo shared by Gunn, Grillo’s version appears with a full head of dark hair, prompting fans to flood social media with the same question: what happened to the gray?
Comments ranged from humorous to genuinely puzzled. One fan wrote, “I love you but couldn’t you have given him a wig? He looks nothing like his character from the show.” Another joked, “What brand of hair dye is Flag Sr. using in Superman and Peacemaker?”
Despite the light-hearted uproar, it’s clear that Frank Grillo is enjoying his time in the DCU. Having previously played Crossbones in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Grillo has spoken about how different and refreshing his new role feels. And whether his character’s hair is gray, black, or even styled in a wild mohawk (not yet, but who knows?), the actor seems fully on board for the ride.
Ultimately, while the hair color debate has become a fun distraction for fans, it’s not expected to impact the bigger picture. What truly matters is the launch of Superman, which marks the first major entry in Gunn’s new live-action DCU. With strong fan anticipation and a creative team committed to delivering a unified vision, the film is poised to make a powerful impact when it hits theaters on July 11.
