Key Takeaways:
– An unintentionally forwarded email led to Frank Grillo’s casting as Crossbones in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
– Director Joe Russo disclosed the story behind Grillo’s chance casting.
– Though leaving Marvel Studios eventually, Grillo played a key part in the Captain America series.
A decade has passed since Chris Evans’ Captain America: The Winter Soldier, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, made its phenomenal debut and cemented its marks in the MCU history. The film boasted a knockout ensemble cast including the scene-stealing Frank Grillo as the villainous Crossbones.
The Unanticipated Casting
The casting brews a particularly intriguing story. Joe Russo’s recent tweet unveiled how an accidental email helped Grillo land the role in the MCU. While the film was yet to release, an unexpected incident took place where Russo forwarded a mistakenly received email. This resulted in Grillo getting an audition call, then a screen test, and ultimately being appointed for Crossbones.
Rumors and Speculations
During the making of the film, there were rumors and speculations surrounding the cast. Frank Grillo’s affiliation with the project was a subject of fan curiosity and interest. In 2012, ahead of the film’s release in April 2014, Grillo was rumored to win the villainous role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Despite no official confirmation, this news stirred anticipation among the fans. Adding to it, Grillo, via his now-suspended Twitter account, himself hinted at a possible role in a Marvel film.
The Role of Crossbones
As Crossbones, Frank Grillo certainly made a presence. Initially introduced as Brock Rumlow, an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., it was only after a battle with Sam Wilson and the collapse of Triskelion, that his character turned foes with Captain America and transformed into the vengeful Crossbones.
Despite mixed reviews for his character, Grillo’s dedication to the role was undeniable. However, he later parted ways with Marvel Studios, citing inadequate character development as per Marca.
Joe Russo’s Revelation
Recently, a decade since the film’s release, Joe Russo broke his silence about Grillo’s unexpected casting. The director admitted that Grillo wasn’t under consideration until an unintentionally forwarded email mentioned his name for the role of Rumlow. Russo’s tweet reads, “I played a very small part when an A-list director I was working with accidentally emailed asking *me* to cast Frank Grillo in the movie. I forwarded the letter on to the intended recipient and the rest is history…”
From a lucky circumstance to being a crucial part of the MCU history, Frank Grillo’s journey with Marvel has been truly eventful. Today, Grillo can look back at his role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier with pride for how his presence added a dimension to the captivating storyline, even if he has since moved beyond Marvel Studios. Even after his exit, Grillo’s Crossbones continues to be an essential part of the MCU DNA.
You can watch Captain America: The Winter Soldier on Disney+.
